Mark Teixeira collected a late boost in votes to surpass Boston’s Kevin Youkilis to start first base in the All-Star Game, Derek Jeter was the AL leading vote getter at shortstop, and Mariano Rivera was selected to his 10th Midsummer Classic.
Alex Rodriguez’s hip injury cost him the first month of the season and halted his streak of nine consecutive All-Star Game selections. He has played 12 in total.
I don’t really care about the All-Star Game, but I am very glad Teixeira edged out Youkilis. I think he earned it too. The only statistic Youk has a substantial lead in is OBP, but Tex has been more productive.
Teixeira: .279/.385/.559, 20 HR, 61 RBI, 51 R, 23 2B
Youkilis: .306/.429/.579, 14 HR, 47 RBI, 49 R, 20 2B
Here are the AL and NL rosters as of right now. One more player from each league will be voted in for the 33rd spot on both lineups.
