Obviously, the Q factor for Kansas City Royals players has zoomed since the team won the American League pennant in 2014, and have jumped out to a 4.5 game lead in the A.L Central in 2015 with a 46-33 record. But thanks to an influx of votes and some behind-the-scenes work by Major League Baseball, the AL’s starting lineup will be as close to the best collection of talent as possible, and not simply an exhibition starring the Royals. 390 on-base percentage in 77 games on the heels of a one-season drug suspension? The starters were announced Sunday, and fans voted in Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez, shortstop Alcides Escobar and outfielders Lorenzo Cain and Alex Gordon.
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Omar Infante of the Royals almost was voted in at second base, but he was passed by the Houston Astros’ Jose Altuve in the final days of voting. It would have been a crime of epic proportions if Infante were named a starter. Meanwhile, Altuve has a. 301 average and.
Donaldson is the third Blue Jay in the past five years to lead the All-Star voting.
The Texas Rangers’ Prince Fielder made the team as a designated hitter.
Cespedes, 29, is third in the American League with 25 doubles and is second on the Tigers with 94 hits and 48 runs while his 45 RBI rank first among AL left fielders.
Detroit first baseman Miguel Cabrera was also chosen, but will not be able to play due to a calf strain. He is out for at least six weeks, and another player will take his spot.
Seattle’s Nelson Cruz, suspended for the final 50 games of the 2013 season for violating baseball’s drug agreement, was also elected to start on the AL squad for the second straight year.
Reds ace Johnny Cueto makes his last start before fan voting ends Friday for the final player on the NL All-Star roster.
For the Twins, closer Glen Perkins should be selected.
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center has a new exhibit called “Diversity in Baseball” celebrating barrier-breaking players: blacks, Jewish, Native American, Latino, Asian and females such as stars of the women’s professional baseball league started during World War II as told in the movie “A League of Their Own”. “”(Third baseman Todd) Frazier and his personality are awesome, (first baseman Joey) Votto and his work ethic are something to look up to and the team has a pretty good farm system, so you know this skid isn’t going to last very long.
Dozier, 28, ranks tied for first in the AL with 63 runs and in sole possession of second place with 26 doubles thus far on the campaign.
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– The biggest pitching snub on the NL roster for pitcher was former Oriole Jake Arrieta, who has nine wins and a 2.80 ERA for the Cubs. Or the middle relievers who are trotted out every now and again to throw 95mph heaters instead of the junk they used to hurl. The American League Central should, and will, be well-represented in Cincinnati next week.
