The third edition of the MLB All-Star AL voting results have been released, and a Blue Jay has become the first major-leaguer to eclipse three-million votes. Toronto's celebrated slugging outfielder, Jose Bautista, dominated the ballot once again, leading all MLB players with 3,042,091 votes.
This week featured a major shift in the starting AL lineup, as Red Sox first basemen Adrian Gonzalez (2,027,537) surpassed Yankees star Mark Teixeira (1,774,024) on the heels of a torrid hitting streak. Teixeira is the first of the initial six starting Yankees to fall. The move also marks the second consecutive week a member of the red-hot Red Sox climbed into the starting lineup -- previously David Ortiz (1,974,918) surpassed Michael Young (1,428,833) to lead the DH vote.
Though it should be noted, regardless of the shift, the AL East continued its authority over the balloting. Eight of the nine starting spots are currently claimed by a member of the renowned division. The remaining five Yankees -- catcher Russell Martin (1,712,156), second basemen Robinson Cano (2,649,737), shortstop Derek Jeter (1,931,670), third basemen Alex Rodriguez (2,063,520), and outfielder Curtis Granderson (2,406,946) -- all maintained a steady lead at their positions.
Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton (1,799,339) held on as the lone defender of the non-AL East divisions. His spot may be in danger however, as Red Sox youngster Jacoby Ellsbury (1,447,715) is barreling up through the rankings.
The starting AL lineup as of June 16th:
C: Russell Martin, Yankees: 1,712,156 (Alex Avila, Tigers: 1,093,070)
1B: Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox: 2,027,537 (Mark Teixeira, Yankees: 1,774,024)
2B: Robinson Cano, Yankees: 2,649,737 (Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox: 1,518,231)
SS: Derek Jeter, Yankees: 1,931,670 (Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians: 1,647,802)
3B: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees: 2,063,520 (Adrian Beltre, Rangers: 1,752,729)
OF: Jose Bautista, Blue Jays: 3,042,091 (Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox: 1,447,715)
OF: Curtis Granderson, Yankees: 2,406,946 (Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners: 1,231,035)
OF: Josh Hamilton, Rangers: 1,799,339 (Carl Crawford, Red Sox: 1,222,687)
DH: David Ortiz, Red Sox: 1,974,918 (Michael Young, Rangers: 1,428,833)