MLB All Star Game 2013: American League Lineup Preview
By Joe Wedra
Jul 15, 2013; Flushing , NY, USA; American League infielder Robinson Cano (24) of the New York Yankees reacts after the first round of the Home Run Derby in advance of the 2013 All Star Game at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
All Star events are upon us yet again. Ringing in this year’s three-day MLB “intermission” was the announcement of starting lineups. Most starters are fortunate to get two at-bats in the big game, but being announced among the first-teamers is an honor unlike any other.
For Jim Leyland’s club, it’s a lineup filled with power sticks from top to bottom. Below is the list of American Leaguers that are sure to knock the ball out of Citi Field and the reasons they are listed as the AL’s best:
Batting 1st, OF Mike Trout, Angels: Emerging as one of the league’s best young stars, the 21-year old Trout has earned lead-off honors. His .322 average and 59 RBI’s are the best among Angels’ starters. He has stolen 21 bases—making plays not only with his bat, but legs as well.
Batting 2nd, 2B Robinson Cano, Yankees: Cano has been one of the few Yankees to stay healthy. He has helped New York continue big innings with a .337 average with runners on base. Batting .407 in the 14 games in July, the big second baseman has been crucial for the Bronx Bombers.
Batting 3rd, 3B Miguel Cabrera, Tigers: The former triple-crown winner was a shoo-in for the Summer Classic. Paired with Prince Fielder in the middle of Detroit’s lineup, Cabrera’s line is enough to give him a starting role: 30/95/.365.
Batting 4th, 1B Chris Davis, Orioles: The biggest surprise of the year comes in Baltimore and Chris Davis. He had tallied a league-leading 37 home runs and is leading the Orioles is nearly every category. If there’s one player worthy of hitting clean-up, it’s Davis.
Batting 5th, RF Jose Bautista, Blue Jays: Even though he isn’t having a record-breaking year, he still is putting up tremendous numbers. “Joey Bats” has just a .254 total average, but is coming up clutch with a .302 average with runners in scoring position.
Batting 6th, DH David Ortiz, Red Sox: Big Papi is at it again. He’s hitting .317 with 65 RBI’s, and has led Boston to the top spot in the AL East. When you think of a DH, you have to think Ortiz.
Batting 7th, CF Adam Jones, Orioles: Jones has manned centerfield for the Orioles flawlessly this year. He plays the way an all-star should play—with talent and class. He’s been giving fans at Camden Yards a reason to cheer recently, hitting a home run in each of his last three games.
Batting 8th, C Joe Mauer, Twins: Mauer is still hitting the ball and among the leaders in average yet again. He has put up a .402 on-base percentage, one that is near the top of the leader-board of catchers.
Batting 9th, SS J.J Hardy, Orioles: He’s a fan favorite in Baltimore, and is deserving of an all-star nod. As good as his performance at the plate is, he’s on pace for a gold glove with his nightly “web gems”.