The second edition of the MLB All-Star AL voting results have been released and, much to the disingenuous astonishment of baseball fans across the country, yet another member of the overly-celebrated AL East has been added to the lineup. Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (1,160,590) rode a strong week to overtake Texas Rangers' Michael Young (1,033,514) and lay claim to the AL's starting DH spot.
Though, Ortiz's total still pales in comparison to that of Jose Bautista (2,142,867), the leading vote getter in the MLB for the second consecutive week. The Toronto Blue Jay is as sure of a lock as they come, holding a 417,213 vote lead over the next closest outfielder.
Of course, one can't help but notice that six New York Yankees continue to maintain top spots in the early All-Star results. Pinstriped catcher Russell Martin (1,317,557), first basemen Mark Teixeira, (1,333,445), second basemen Robinson Cano (1,930,762), shortstop Derek Jeter (1,454,795), third basemen Alex Rodriguez (1,515,188), and outfielder Curtis Granderson (1,725,654) still hold considerable leads at their respective positions.
With David Ortiz surpassing Michael Young, Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton (1,229,040) now carries the lonely distinction of being the only AL starter to not play for the American League East. However, his spot seems secure for the moment, as the slugger holds a considerable lead over the fourth-ranked outfielder, Seattle Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki (970,622). Interestingly, if the struggling Suzuki does not make this year's All-Star team, it will mark the first time he has missed the big game in his 11-year career.
The starting AL lineup as of June 8th:
C: Russell Martin, Yankees: 1,317,557 (Joe Mauer, Twins: 829,073)
1B: Mark Teixeira, Yankees: 1,333,445 (Adrian Gonzalez, Red Sox: 1,268,706)
2B: Robinson Cano, Yankees: 1,930,762 (Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox: 963,996)
SS: Derek Jeter, Yankees: 1,454,795 (Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians: 1,162,728)
3B: Alex Rodriguez, Yankees: 1,515,188 (Adrian Beltre, Rangers: 1,224,381)
OF: Jose Bautista, Blue Jays: 2,142,867 (Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners: 970,622)
OF: Curtis Granderson, Yankees: 1,725,654 (Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox: 871,897)
OF: Josh Hamilton, Rangers: 1,229,040 (Nelson Cruz, Rangers: 768,115)
DH: David Ortiz, Red Sox: 1,160,590 (Michael Young, Rangers: 1,033,514)