All-Star mess

     For years, fans have been able to vote in their favorite players to the MLB All-Star Game. Many times, the most popular players of a team would dominate the voting, and the lower tier players wouldn’t receive as many votes. Well we have reached a new point in voting. As of Jun. 15, eight of the nine AL spots are being occupied by Kansas City Royals. Now, you have to give it to the Royals' fans for getting behind their team, but some of these totals are outliers. We all need to remember that All-Star voting is for the players having the best years, not just trying to vote a whole team on. Now, some of the Royals' players have earned it, but when Omar Infante is hitting .229 with zero home runs and a .236 OBP and is leading in second base voting over Jason Kipnis, that is where it needs to stop. We need to reward deserving players, and celebrate their success.

Here are the players who lead voting at each position:

Catcher
1. Salvador Perez, Royals: 7,202,292
2. Stephen Vogt, A's: 3,260,864
3. Russell Martin, Blue Jays: 2,225,889

First Base
1. Eric Hosmer, Royals: 5,777,363
2. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers: 5,301,216
3. Prince Fielder, Rangers: 1,794,589

Second Base
1. Omar Infante, Royals: 4,518,765
2. Jose Altuve, Astros: 4,209,702
3. Jason Kipnis, Indians: 1,859,756

Third Base
1. Mike Moustakas, Royals: 6,505,258
2. Josh Donaldson, Blue Jays: 4,880,315
3. Nick Castellanos, Tigers: 923,589

Shortstop
1. Alcides Escobar, Royals: 6,332,981
2. Jose Iglesias, Tigers: 3,491,530
3. Jose Reyes, Blue Jays: 1,649,076
4. Marcus Semien, A's: 1,132,210
5. Jed Lowrie, Astros: 978,177

Outfield
1. Lorenzo Cain, Royals: 6,611,781
2. Mike Trout, Angels: 5,944,068
3. Alex Gordon, Royals: 5,581,096
4. Alex Rios, Royals: 3,952,551
5. Adam Jones, Orioles: 3,248,559
6. Yoenis Cespedes, Tigers: 3,165,784

Designated Hitter

1. Kendrys Morales, Royals: 5,422,250
2. Nelson Cruz, Mariners: 4,873,273
3. Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays: 1,430,262

*Voting Totals Courtesy of MLB.com as of Jun. 15, 2015.

Here is who I think deserves the All- Star Nod:

Catcher- Stephen Vogt: Oakland A’s

Vogt has burst onto the scene this year and has taken over the starting job in Oakland. He first became famous for his referee skit on the MLB Network show, Intentional Talk, but is now letting his playing do the whistle blowing. He currently leads MLB catchers in home runs (13), RBIs (50), Walks (36), OBP (.382), SLG (.537) and OPS (.918). Stats like this deserve an All-Star appearance.

First Base- Miguel Cabrera: Detroit Tigers

As a perennial All-Star, Cabrera continues to put up silly good numbers. He leads AL first baseman in home runs (15), RBIs (51), average (.345), OBP (.447) and is second in hits (82), and doubles (13). This is just a special player who usually dominates the ballot. If this game is going to count for home field advantage, Cabrera needs to be in that lineup.

Second Base- Jason Kipnis: Cleveland Indians

After a disappointing 2014, Kipnis has turned it back on in 2015. He has even overcome a tough start to the season as he hit only .213 in April. Then came May in which he hit .429 and collected 51 hits, 15 of which being doubles. As it currently stands, Kipnis leads AL second baseman in hits (89) and average (.341), and is second in stolen bases (10) and doubles (20). This year is showing that his terrific 2013 campaign was not a fluke.

Third Base- Josh Donaldson: Toronto Blue Jays

An offseason trade saw Donaldson shipped to the powerful Blue Jay Line-up. He has showed no signs of having trouble becoming acclimated with the team. He leads AL third baseman in home runs (17), RBIs (46), doubles (17), hits (83) and is second in average (.304). Donaldson has not disappointed Blue Jays' fans, and should be starting in Cincinnati on Jul. 14.

Shortstop- Jose Iglesias: Detroit Tigers

I could’ve gone a few ways here, but Jose just beat out Alcides Escobar in my vote. Although he doesn’t qualify in the average and OBP departments because of fewer at-bats, Iglesias has an average of .328 with an OBP of .377. He has also wowed with his defensive wizardry, and would be a ton of fun to watch in the Midsummer Classic.

Outfield

Mike Trout: Los Angeles Angels

The only player of my picks actually in line for a spot on the team, Trout just keeps putting up numbers. It wouldn’t be an All-Star game without Trout. He is continuing the power he showed last year by hitting 18 home runs thus far. He also has a .299 average with 41 RBIs and 8 stolen bases. The five-tool outfielder also shines on the big stage and we will see him in Cincy.

Michael Brantley: Cleveland Indians

Although Brantley’s numbers don’t dominate in the home run department, he is in the top five in most major offensive categories. He has put up a very good .305 average with 21 doubles (1^st in AL) and 35 RBIs. He also has more walks, 29, than strike outs, 17. He has been a staple in the Indians' lineup and has taken off since the beginning of 2014.

Adam Jones: Baltimore Orioles

This was a tough choice as there are too many deserving outfielders. Jones, though, has great numbers across the board, .305, 10 home runs, 35 RBIs. He is third among AL outfielders in hits with 73, and really loves the spotlight. He is deserving of a 5^th All-Star appearance.

Designated Hitter- Nelson Cruz: Seattle Mariners

This is a no brainer… Cruz is 2^nd in the AL with 18 home runs, and has put up a very good average (.315) and OBP (.379). Most importantly he has continued his power threat at the plate and with the power pitching the NL offers, we’d love to see Cruz take his hacks and challenge them.

Just missed:

1B Prince Fielder (TEX): .344, 11 HR, 47 RBI

1B Albert Pujols (LAA): .273, 20 HR, 42 RBI

2B Dustin Pedroia (BOS): .307, 9 HR, 27 RBI

2B Jose Altuve (HOU): .287, 17 SB, 28 RBI

3B Mike Moustakas (KC): .321, 6 HR, 25 RBI

3B Manny Machado (BAL): .292, 14 HR, 34 RBI

OF Yoenis Cespedes (DET): .301, 9 HR, 35 RBI

OF Josh Reddick (OAK): .291, 10 HR, 41 RBI

OF Jose Bautista (TOR): .251, 13 HR, 44 RBI

DH Kendrys Morales (KC): .286, 7 HR, 43 RBI

DH Alex Rodriguez (NYY): .277, 13 HR, 34 RBI