Call to the Pen’s American League All-Star team

Jun 25, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) hits a sacrifice fly in the first inning of the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

First base: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
2014 stats: .315/.369/.540, 13 HR, 64 RBI, 46 R, 0 SB

When was the last time you mentioned Cabrera and AL first basemen and he was leading them in only one stat? That would be batting average. Well, he does share the top spot in fWAR (2.9) with Edwin Encarnacion. He also sits second in RBI, one behind, you guessed it, Encarnacion.

The final voting:
Cabrera, DET: 6
Abreu, CWS: 5
Encarnacion, TOR: 1

This vote wasn’t decided until the last ballot was cast…and Cabrera received that vote. In fact, Cabrera was trailing until the last two ballots were submitted. Miggy, the two-time defending AL MVP, was chased by Chicago White Sox rookie phenom Jose Abreu. Encarnacion may have been the victim of not knowing which position in which to vote for him. On the official MLB ballot, he’s listed with the DHs.

Another selection would give Cabrera a total of nine.