May 9, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez (10) during the fourth inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Shortstop: Alexei Ramirez, Chicago White Sox
2014 stats: .295/.327/.422, 8 HR, 39 RBI, 40 R, 13 SB
What? Not Derek Jeter?
Sure, there were a couple of sentimental votes for Derek Jeter, but Ramirez overcame that emotion to claim our starting nod. But why not Ramirez?
He leads all AL shortstops in batting average and wOBA (.330). He’s tied for first in SLG with the Angels’ Erick Aybar. His wRC+ of 105 sits second only to Aybar (111).
The final vote:
Ramirez, CWS: 6
Jeter, NYY: 4
Alcides Escobar, KC: 1
Aybar, LAA: 1
Both Aybar and Escobar would be logical selections here as well. Some might even have one, if not both, slightly ahead of Ramirez.
I know it’s Jeter’s last year and everyone believes The Captain should be on the team. He does belong on the team, but as one that votes based on performance of that year (not a career), I can’t say I go with the majority of those that have cast ballots on MLB.com.
If Ramirez is selected (and there’s a chance he may not be), it would represent the first time he would be an All-Star.