Over recent years we've seen how important the MLB All-Star Game can actually be as the Texas Rangers were "beneficiaries" of the National League winning the Fall Classic in 2010 and 2011 and thus earning homefield advantage in the World Series.
As controversial and stupid as that recently added twist to the All-Star Game may be, it's the way it is and it's added some value to the All-Star Game.
One Ranger is in line to start for the American League and manager Jim Leyland as shortstop Elvis Andrus is the leading vote getter for the July 16 game at Citi Field in New York, home of the Mets.
Andrus is hitting .260 with 14 stolen bases and 19 RBIs and has scored 35 runs and has committed four errors after starting the season on a stretch of errorless ball.
Andrus is joined in the balloting by second baseman Ian Kinsler, third baseman Adrian Beltre, catcher A.J. Pierzynski, first baseman Mitch Moreland, outfielder Nelson Cruz and DH/first baseman Lance Berkman, who won't have the luxury of playing DH in an NL park for the All-Star Game. All of those players are in the top 5 in their respective positions. Pitchers, of course, are chosen by the respective managers.
