Twins' Joe Mauer still the top vote-getter in AL All-Star balloting
Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners remains atop a crowded group of outfielders in American League balloting so far for the 81st All-Star Game, to be played at Anaheim on July 13.
The nine-time All-Star has 1,231,950 votes, but Tampa Bay Rays left-fielder Carl Crawford is gaining ground with 1,123,132 votes. The third starting spot is held by the Rangers' Nelson Cruz with 1,093,099. But a strong push for the Rangers' Josh Hamilton (1,006,364), the Yankees' Nick Swisher (808,871) and Curtis Granderson (766,088) and the Angels' Torii Hunter (765,023) could quickly change the lineup.
Twins catcher Joe Mauer (watch a great play by Mauer from June 11) is still the most popular AL player with 2,617,822 votes, followed by the 2,108,659 for Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. Rounding out the top five overall AL players are Rays third baseman Evan Longoria (1,958,855), Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano (1,784,896) and Rangers designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero (1,743,946).
An update on the National League balloting will be released Tuesday. The All-Star Game ballot is available at MLB.com and all 30 club websites. Voting ends July 1.
-- Debbie Goffa
Photo: Joe Mauer. Credit: Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images.
