Baseball All-Star performances

By Dean Lollis Sports Central Columnist

Baseball fans don't always look at first-half performances when deciding who they want to be a part of the annual All-Star Game. After all, the All-Star Game is designed purely for the fans and gives them a glimpse of players they might not always be able to see.

When the National and American Leagues take the field in Seattle on July 11, they will both be fielding competitive squads filled with stars and up-and-coming talent.

The following is meant to be a breakdown for both leagues, based on first-half statistics, for players who have been All-Stars for their teams.

First Base: In the NL, Jeff Bagwell, Todd Helton, and Richie Sexson are all having tremendous performances. However, the nod should go to the most complete performance thus far. San Diego's Ryan Klesko is hitting roughly .280 with 16 homeruns, 66 runs batted in, and 14 stolen bases. In the AL, Jason Giambi of the Athletics is hitting .337 with 19 HRs and 59 RBIs.

Second Base: After struggling some early in the season, San Francisco's Jeff Kent has pushed his batting average near .300 and has 11 HRs and 58 RBIs. In the AL, the All-Star nod should be automatic for Seattle's Bret Boone. Boone has provided some strong offense for the Mariners with a .325 average, 20 HRs, and a tremendous 78 RBIs.

Shortstop: In the NL, the Giants' Rich Aurilia (.350, 12 HR, 32 RBI) is off to a great start, but the nod should go to another NL shortstop. Even though he's a rookie, Jimmy Rollins (.277, 7 HR, 32 RBI, 25 SB) has been a large part of the Phillies' success. In the AL, this should be another automatic bid. Texas' Alex Rodriguez is having an incredible start (.323, 23 HR, 67 RBI). And it will be fun to see how Seattle reacts to A-Rod's return as an All-Star.

Third Base: The NL nod has to go to another rookie. True, Atlanta's Chipper Jones (.304, 21 HR, 59 RBI) is close, but he's no Albert Pujols (.348, 21 HR, 66 RBI). The Cardinals' newcomer is on a tremendous pace and looks to be the National League Rookie of the Year unless he decides to retire at the All-Star break. In the AL, Anaheim's Troy Glaus (.244, 20 HR, 50 RBI, 5 SB) is leading the field.

Catcher: The Mets' Mike Piazza (20 HR, 45 RBI) is pacing the field, but could be sidelined with an injury. There's another catcher, however, who's putting up some impressive numbers. Los Angeles' Paul LoDuca has a .344 average, 11 homeruns and, 39 runs batted in. The impressive stat is that LoDuca has put up his numbers in half as many at-bats as Piazza has put up his. In the American League, Texas' Ivan Rodriguez (.289, 16 HR, 41 RBI) is beat out by New York's Jorge Posada (.308, 13 HR, 59 RBI).

Outfield: In the National League, the best performances have been given by the Giants' Barry Bonds (.305, 39 HR, 71 RBI), Arizona' Luis Gonzalez (.345, 26 HR, 55 RBI), and Colorado's Larry Walker (.347, 19 HR, 58 RBI, 7 SB). In the American League, the three top choices: Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki (.351, 36 RBI, 27 SB and the league leader with 123 hits), Cleveland's Juan Gonzalez (.340, 19 HR, 69 RBI), and Chicago's Magglio Ordonez (.301, 18 HR, 53 RBI, 11 SB).

Designated Hitter: Okay, so the National League doesn't carry this position, but we will fill it with the Cubs' Sammy Sosa (.310, 26 HR, 71 RBI). In the American League, the honor goes to Boston's Manny Ramirez (.332, 24 HR, 78 RBI).

Starting Pitcher: The National League starting job goes to Arizona's Curt Schilling. He's put in more than one hundred innings in the first half, he has a 10-1 record, a 2.60 earned run average, and 108 strikeouts. In the American League, go with the Yankees' Roger Clemens. He's put up an 11-1 record, 3.60 earned run average, and 116 strikeouts.

Living Legend: Several writers have suggested this position and it's definitely one that should be considered. Add Tony Gwynn for the National League and Cal Ripken, Jr. for the American League to fill out both teams.