The inaugural 2011 MLB All-Star voting results have been released, and not surprisingly the struggling -- yet incredibly popular -- St. Louis Cardinals superstar Albert Pujols is the leading vote-getter in the National League. Pujols' 988,784 votes is well ahead of the next closest first-basemen, 2010 NL MVP Joey Votto (806,346).
Two other St. Louis Cardinals are spearheading the charge, with Matt Holiday (927,778) and Lance Berkman (872,434) among the top-three vote-getters in the NL outfield. Milwaukee's Ryan Braun (971,809) is currently the leading outfielder.
Among other notable positions leaders are Cinncinnati Reds second-basemen Brandon Phillips (837,778), Philadelphia Phillies third-baseman Placido Polanco (724,724), and the San Francisco Giants' recently injured catcher Buster Posey (785,314). If the reigning NL Rookie of the Year is unable to play -- which is likely, barring some sort of miracle -- it is probable that Atlanta Braves catcher Brian McCann will take his spot.
However, in light of recent events, the question must be asked: what about the NL West-leading Arizona Diamondbacks? After all, the D-Backs are first place and the All-Star game is in Phoenix. Shouldn't we get a representative? Come on snake fans. Stephen Drew, perhaps? Also, while I understand that this doesn't yet cover pitchers, how about the insoluble J.J. Putz?
Voting will continue to be available at every major league ballpark, as well as online at MLB.com, and each MLB club's team website until June 24th. After June 24th voting will be exclusively be held online until June 30th.
The starting NL All-Star lineup as of June 1st:
C: Buster Posey, Giants: 785,314 (Brian McCann, Braves: 633,987)
1B: Albert Pujols, Cardinals: 988,784 (Joey Votto, Reds: 806,346)
2B: Brandon Phillips, Reds: 837,778 (Rickie Weeks, Brewers: 562,071)
3B: Placido Polanco, Phillies: 724,724 (Chipper Jones, Braves: 540,168)
SS: Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies: 975,777 (Jimmy Rollins, Phillies: 454,782)
OF: Ryan Braun, Brewers: 971,809 (Andre Ethier, Dodgers: 776,971)
OF: Matt Holliday, Cardinals: 927,778 (Matt Kemp, Dodgers: 549,215)
OF: Lance Berkman, Cardinals: 872,434 (Jason Heyward, Braves: 484,291)