Minnesota’s Joe Mauer leads initial American League All-Star balloting tally
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The Angels chose Hideki Matsui over Vladimir Guerrero as their designated hitter this season -- so far, Major League All-Star Game voters are making the opposite choice.
The first American League balloting figures were released Monday, with eight-time All-Star Guerrero, who is now with the Rangers, leading the way among designated hitters with 374,333. Matsui is second in the category with 298,487.
Reigning American League MVP Joe Mauer, catcher for the Minnesota Twins, so far has received the most overall votes (644,533), followed closely by Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (639,277), who has made 10 All-Star appearances.
No member of the host Angels leads the way at any position. Torii Hunter (230,036) is one of outfielders in contention. Right now the leaders in that position are Seattle’s Ichiro Suzuki (366,903), Tampa Bay’s Carl Crawford (319,953) and Texas’ Nelson Cruz (307,928).
Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria leads Yankees’ Alex Rodriguez, 541,253 to 411,655, to break up what is otherwise shaping up to be an all-Yankee infield. Mark Teixeira leads the way at first base with 396,034 -- ahead of Minnesota’s Justin Morneau (258,225) and Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera (242,452) -- and Robinson Cano has the most votes at second base (491,188), outpacing Boston’s Dustin Pedroia (279,452).
The first National League balloting totals will be announced Tuesday.
Fans can vote at all 30 Major League ballparks through June 23 and online through July 1. The 81st All-Star Game will take place July 13 at Angel Stadium.
-- Chuck Schilken
