AL All-Star Pitchers: My Picks So Far

I forgot to do this yesterday, so I am doing it now. This is the same thing as my National League list, but with the American League. Unfortunately, the Seminoles and Orioles both lost last night, but the good news is that it allows me to focus on this. Once again the pitchers will be in order to prevent any confusion. Starters first then relievers.

AL All-Star Game Starter
David Price    Tampa Bay Rays
8-4  3.01 ERA   .248 Average Against  
I picked Price because I think he is the best pitcher in baseball and he pitches in the toughest division in baseball. He is also tied for the most wins despite not having his star 3rd baseman to back him up. The defense in Tampa is down compared to most years as well. Also think of this, if you want to win homefield, who do you want in? Most people would say Price or......

Other Starters
Justin Verlander   Detroit Tigers
6-4   2.66 ERA   .205 Average Against
As I was saying before, if you want to win the game, you want this guy or Price in. No doubt about it. I would say these two are the locks to the game. Verlander was a freak last year, and although he hasn't been quite as good this year, he's been pretty good.

Chris Sale   Chicago White Sox
8-2   2.42 ERA    .197 Average Against
The best pitcher for the 1st place White Sox has been Sale. It is amazing because all 12 of his starts in MLB have come this season, but he has been fantastic for the Sox. He should be a lock for this game.

CJ Wilson   Los Angeles Angels
7-4  2.30 ERA   .189 Average Against
If you look at the numbers and figure in that CJ Wilson was the ace on the Texas staff that went to the World Series, you can pretty much figure he will start the all-star game. I do not see any way Ron Washington doesn't pick him for the squad. Unless of course he is bitter that Wilson went to the rival Angels.

Jake Peavy  Chicago White Sox
6-2  2.91 ERA   .202 Average Against
Peavy has returned to all-star form and has looked the best he's ever looked in the AL. This guy looks to be near lock status as well. He has had a fantastic season thus far.

Yu Darvish  Texas Rangers
8-4  3.57 ERA   .238 Average Against
Look, Darvish has been great this year in a hitter's park. He plays for a 1st place team, which is perhaps the best team in baseball, and the manager's team. Plus, if this is about the fans, Darvish should be in the game. People want to see this guy pitch.

Jason Hammel  Baltimore Orioles
6-2  3.22 ERA    .238 Average Against
Hammel has been the best pitcher on a very good Orioles team. The Orioles are competitive and deserve some all-stars. I don't think 4 all-stars are too much to ask for this team. For the first time in years, they have several guys deserving. Hammel is 2 starts behind many of the other pitchers due to a knee injury, but he deserves the appearance.

Jared Weaver   Los Angeles Angels
6-1  2.61 ERA    .195 Average Against
Weaver may have to decline due to injury, but he should get the honor whether he can play or not. Make the other decision if you have to. Weaver has missed 3 starts due to injury, but has been as good as anyone in the league. The dude is filthy.

Relievers
Jim Johnson   Baltimore Orioles
19/20 Saves  1.26 ERA 1-0  .153 Average Against
I do not know if any Orioles will make it besides Johnson and Jones, but if those two don't make it, then it is a crime. Johnson has been fantastic for the 1st place O's, only missing one save opportunity. In that blown save, he stayed in for the next inning and picked up the win. The AL needs Jim Johnson.

Chris Perez  Cleveland Indians
21/22 Saves  2.49 ERA  .200 Average Against
21 saves is a lot. The Indians are in 2nd place largely because they have a competent closer. The team is only .5 back and this is one of the few no-brainers in the selection process.

Fernando Rodney  Tampa Bay Rays
18/19 Saves  1.21 ERA  .181 Average Against
Another no-brainer. Rodney has been lights out for the Rays. Has done a fantastic job.

Rafael Soriano  New York Yankees
11/12 Saves  1.93 ERA   .258 Average Against
Soriano has filled in for Rivera and done a great job. He has only blown one save and helped put the Yankees in 1st place. Before he moved to closer, he was a great setup guy and went 2-0. He will make the team.

Pedro Strop   Baltimore Orioles
3-2  1.44 ERA   3 saves   .181 Average Against
This is the least likely all-star selection, but I had to give it up for my boy Strop. He has been fantastic and us Oriole fans sure appreciate having him around. A great guy.

-Noland