The third set of 2011 MLB All-Star voting results have been released and Milwaukee outfielder Ryan Braun (2,230,505) is the leading vote-getter for the second week in a row. The young standout of the first-place Brewers maintains a strong lead over the next closest national-leaguer, St. Louis Cardinals first basemen Albert Pujols (2,081,590).
As expected, the new results offer no changes to the starting NL lineup. The remainder of the starting outfield is held by a pair of St. Louis Cardinals' stars, Lance Berkman (1,878,314) and Matt Holiday (1,855,416), who are virtual locks to be in the final lineup. Cinncinnati Reds second basemen Brandon Phillips (1,754,872) and Philadelphia Phillies third basemen Placido Polanco (1,822,129) also maintained strong leads at their respective positions.
Nevertheless, interesting developments in the voting may be in the works. The St. Louis Cardinals' Yadier Molina (1,345,260) entered this week's fray, charging hard at Braves' catcher Brian McCann's (1,646,822) starting spot.
Likewise, Jose Reyes (1,241,553) rode an exceptional week to claw his way into the All-Star shortstop race. However, the New York Met still faces a deep hole to overcome if he wants to catch Rockies star Troy Tulowitzki (1,828,509).
Also noteworthy, Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce (1,201,224) eclipsed Shane Victorino (1,001,749) to climb his way into the third back-up outfielder spot. Sadly, despite a noble effort from Reds fans, a daunting margin of over 600,000 votes separates Bruce from a starting spot.
Voting is available at all MLB ballparks, MLB.com, and each major league team website until June 24th. From June 24th until June 30th voting will exclusively be available online.
The starting NL lineup as of June 16st:
C: Brian McCann, Braves: 1,646,822 (Yadier Molina, Cardinals: 1,345,260)
1B: Albert Pujols, Cardinals: 2,081,590 (Joey Votto, Reds: 1,773,348)
2B: Brandon Phillips, Reds: 1,754,872 (Rickie Weeks, Brewers: 1,461,383)
3B: Placido Polanco, Phillies: 1,822,129 (Chipper Jones, Braves: 1,197,332)
SS: Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies: 1,828,509 (Jose Reyes, Mets: 1,241,553)
OF: Ryan Braun, Brewers: 2,230,505 (Andre Ethier, Dodgers: 1,468,537)
OF: Lance Berkman, Cardinals: 1,878,314 (Matt Kemp, Dodgers: 1,372,804)
OF: Matt Holliday, Cardinals: 1,855,416 (Jay Bruce, Reds: 1,201,224)