Sox-Yanks Players Leading AL AS Team Voting

From TSN:

Ortiz, an All-Star in each of the last four years, has 556,567 votes in the first returns of fan balloting to easily outdistance New York’s Hideki Matsui (259,234) for the starting designated hitter. Ramirez (539,122), an 11-time All-Star, Seattle’s Ichiro Suzuki (284,763) and the Angels’ Vladimir Guerrero (274,827) are the top three outfielders.

A total of five Red Sox lead in the voting at their respective positions for the contest, which will be held at Yankee Stadium on July 15. Catcher Jason Varitek (288,464) held a sizeable lead on Detroit’s Ivan Rodriguez (236,788), first baseman Kevin Youkilis (419,813) was well in front of Minnesota’s Justin Morneau (217,956) and second baseman Dustin Pedroia (384,648.) was in front of the Yankees Robinson Cano (219,778).

Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (523,187), bidding for his ninth All-Star appearance, was well ahead of the Tigers Edgar Renteria (190,244).

New York third baseman Alex Rodriguez (429,238), an 11-time All-Star, was in front of Boston’s Mike Lowell (250,664).

This seems about right, although I would argue that Manny, Vlad and maybe even Ichiro don’t deserve to be in an AS Game this year (as of now). My AL ballot would look like this (based on performance and some Yankee fan bias):

1. C – Jason Varitek
2. 1B – Justin Morneau
3. 2B – Ian Kinsler
4. 3B – Alex Rodriguez
5. SS – Derek Jeter
6. OF – Josh Hamilton
7. OF – Carlos Quentin
8. OF – Magglio Ordonez
9. DH – David Ortiz

The AL balloting is sort of hazy. It’s a wash (to me) between Ortiz and Matsui. Also, Youkilis’ spot in the standings is well deserved as of now but Morneau can also take that spot. Ian Kinsler, Josh Hamilton, and Carlos Quentin are sleepers getting no love (Quentin leads the AL in homers!).

My NL ballot was easier to figure out and it looks like this:

1. C – Geovanny Soto
2. 1B – Lance Berkman
3. 2B – Chase Utley
4. 3B – Garrett Atkins
5. SS – Hanley Ramirez
6. OF – Matt Holliday
7. OF – Jason Bay
8. OF – Ryan Braun
9. DH – NA

Honestly, I think the NL is going to utterly dominate against the AL this year. Those names are no joke and the NL has some of the best SP’s in all of baseball. It’ll be tough for the AL to win it this year. If you’re interested in voting and supporting the Yanks, go here.