Voting on the 78th MLB All-Star Game

The 78th MLB All-Star Game is to be played on July 10 at San Franciscos AT&T Park. Both the American League and National League teams are chosen by fans across the nation, as many players often get left out of the Mid-Summer Classic because of a popularity vote.

One of the major factors of who's ultimately chosen for the All-Star game is reflected in attendance across all 30 MLB ball parks. It should surprise no one that the two New York teams lead the Majors in attendance with the Yankees averaging 50,371 fans and the Mets sitting in second place at 44,602. Mets players have benefited the most from their fans - as centerfielder Carlos Beltran, catcher Paul Loduca, shortstop Jose Reyes and third baseman David Wright all lead their respective positions in voting.

The effect is certainly felt by Yankees players as well with second baseman Robinson Cano, shortstop Derek Jeter and third baseman Alex Rodriguez all in position to play in this years All-Star Game. Plus, outfielder Bobby Abreu, whos having a miserable season is currently fifth in the race to become one of the starting three outfielders for the American League.

Its time to take a closer look at whose currently in position to start this years All-Star Game and which deserving players may be left out.

American League

Catcher: Detroit's Ivan Rodriguez (.276, 5 HR, 26 RBI) leads injured Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer by nearly 50,000 votes, but there's certainly some capable players that could rise to the top spot. Indians backstop Victor Martinez is tied for the MLB-lead in home runs and is tops with a 41 RBIs, in one of the more potent offenses in baseball. Yankees veteran Jorge Posada (.357) leads the majors in batting average and could make a late-season run.

First Baseman: In what will probably be the most discussed position leading up to the All-Star Game, Boston's David Ortiz (.315, 9 HR, 38 RBI) is a runaway leader, despite being a designated-hitter. Ironically enough, New York's Jason Giambi (.262, 7 HR, 23 RBI) is in second place despite all of the steroid controversy. The most deserving player is definitely Minnesota's Justin Morneau (.294, 16 HR, 44 RBI), but hes nearly 400,000 votes away from an automatic spot.

Second Baseman: Many players can state their case for this spot, but currently New York's Robinson Cano (.264, 2 HR, 23 RBI) sits on top. The popularity of being a Yankee and the fact that he hit .342 last year, is certainly two main factors that fans have voted for him. Baltimores Brian Roberts (.310, 2 HR, 16 RBI) has been a solid player for years and it would be nice to see him rewarded. The wild card is the Devil Rays B.J. Upton (.325, 8 HR, 29 RBI), whos ceiling is sky-high and hes a threat to post a 30-30 season with 10 steals already this season.

Shortstop: Even with the National League enjoying a talent rich class of shortstops this season, the American League still has plenty to offer. New York's Derek Jeter (.343, 3 HR, 28 RBI) leads the voting by more than 400,000 votes and that will not change. Baltimore's Miguel Tejada (.317, 5 HR, 27 RBI) completes the Orioles great middle-infield, but his power numbers are far from his career high of 34 home runs in 2002 and 2004. Carlos Guillen (.317, 6 HR, 37 RBI) has been rock solid for Detroit this season, but just went down with a groin strain, which hurts his chances if he misses a few games.

Third Baseman: Starting the season with a monster April, cemented New York's Alex Rodriguez (.292, 19 HR, 45 RBI) as the starter. He leads the majors in home runs and is the most talked about player in the game. Boston's Mike Lowell (.330, 10 HR, 41 RBI) is a worthy candidate, but doesnt represent the star power that A-Rod generates.

Outfielders: Currently the three top spots are occupied by the Angels Vladimir Guerrero (.350, 11 HR, 44 RBI), Mariners - Ichiro Suzuki (.330, 4 HR, 22 RBI) and Red Sox Manny Ramirez (.269, 8 HR, 31 RBI). Guerrero and Ichiro are certainly worth of the spot, but Ramirez is certainly here by popular vote. Detroit's Magglio Ordonez (.352, 12 HR, 48 RBI) is enjoying a fantastic season, hitting in the middle of the potent Tigers lineup. A case could also be made for Twins centerfielder Torii Hunter (.318, 11 HR, 45 RBI), whose offensive talent has matched up with his defensive prowess this season.

National League

Catcher: New York's Paul Lo Duca (.327, 2 HR, 14 RBI) is in position for his fifth All-Star appearance and currently ranks fourth in the league in batting average. He's done a great job with the pitching staff and will most likely hold on to the top spot. Los Angeles backstop Russell Martin (.303, 4 HR, 36 RBI) is enjoying a fantastic season in his second full year and will be part of the All-Star discussion for years to come.

First Baseman: St. Louis Albert Pujols (.296, 9 HR, 28 RBI) is in the drivers seat for his sixth consecutive start, even though the Cardinals are mired in a major World Series hangover. Pujols has regained his sluggers touch in May, batting .340 this month after finishing April with a .250 average. Milwaukee's Prince Fielder (.291, 18 HR, 41 RBI) has helped slug the Brewers into first place with his league-leading 18 home runs and is capable of gaining this spot in 2008 sitting just 100,000 votes behind Pujols this season. Chicago's Derek Lee (.352, 4 HR, 30 RBI) is second in the majors in batting average, but lacks the true power numbers that fans are looking for at this position.

Second Baseman: Philadelphia's Chase Utley (.299, 9 HR, 43 RBI) has been a rock for the Phillies offensively, especially with last years MVP Ryan Howard missing time with injuries. Fan favorite Craig Biggio (.230, 3 HR, 16 RBI) is getting plenty of support from the Astros, as he chases 3,000 hits this season, but doesnt have near the numbers to overtake Utley. Florida's Dan Uggla (.265, 11 HR, 33 RBI) is enjoying a solid sophomore campaign, leading all second baseman with 11 dingers and has scored 42 runs.

Shortstop: MLB experts believe this is the most exciting spot in baseball, as five players could easily represent the senior circuit at this position. New York's Jose Reyes (.305, 2 HR, 24 RBI) is widely recognized as the games most exciting player and will surely hold onto his 150,000 vote lead. The Marlins have a very similar player in Hanley Ramirez (.314, 7 HR, 13 RBI), whose been shifted up and down the Florida lineup to improve their offensive productivity. Milwaukee's J.J. Hardy (.296, 15 HR, 44 RBI) has stormed onto the scene in 2007, providing the Brewers with a couple future stars in this game with Prince Fielder. The Phillies have been surprised with Jimmy Rollins (.273, 9 HR, 32 RBI) power this season and have recently moved him to the heart of the lineup after being on top of the order for so many seasons. Rounding out the position is Atlanta's Edgar Renteria (.328, 7 HR, 27 RBI), whos all-around game has helped the Braves regain their form after a disappointing 2006 season.

Third Baseman: New York's golden boy David Wright (.267, 8 HR, 27 RBI) holds a 100,000 vote advantage over some notable veterans in this group, led by Atlanta's Chipper Jones (.300, 12 HR, 27 RBI). Jones has enjoyed a great season so far, but the probability of him closing this gap has been lessened due to his injured thumbs, that have held him out of numerous games recently. The Marlins could easily be represented in this spot by Miguel Cabrera (.325, 10 HR, 35 RBI), who has found a home at the hot corner at Dolphin Stadium.

Outfielders: The three outfield spots are currently held by New York's Carlos Beltran (.294, 8 HR, 34 RBI), San Francisco's Barry Bonds (.276, 12 HR, 25 RBI) and Chicago's Alfonso Soriano (.289, 4 HR, 12 RBI). Beltan is certainly a worthy occupant at this position, but much debate will surround Bonds and Beltran. The All-Star game is known as an exhibition and its hard to believe that it would be played without Bonds involved, but many MLB scouts have argued that hes simply a designated hitter playing the field at this point in his career. A case could be made for Houston's Carlos Lee (.313, 10 HR, 46 RBI), whos been the only consistent bat in the Astros lineup this season. The surprise package is without question Arizona's Eric Byrnes (.306, 8 HR, 31 RBI), who has the young Diamondbacks threatening to steal the NL Western Division from the Los Angeles Dodgers.