Not many American League third basemen have put up numbers that constitute All-Star status. Compared to the rest of the positions in this countdown, this list is less than impressive. Carlos Guillen could not be included because he is not on the ballot under third basemen.
5. Mike Lowell, Boston Red Sox
Mike Lowell has had a decent season for the defending champion Red Sox. Lowell has only a .270 average, but he has also batted in 35 runs while hitting 14 doubles and blasting 10 home runs. Lowell has only struck out 27 times this year, the lowest amount on this list, but has been walked even less, only 14 times.
4. Joe Crede, Chicago White Sox
Joe Crede has done very well this year for the first-place White Sox. He has a .283 batting average and has put up 60 hits. He is the power hitter of this list, boasting 14 hits and 41 runs batted in. Crede has only struck out 31 times this years. Crede hasn’t had a very good season on defense, posting 12 errors.
3. Alex Gordon, Kansas City Royals
- B/R Ticket Guide
A second-year player in Kansas City, Alex Gordon is an up-and-coming player in Major League Baseball. He doesn’t have All-Star numbers yet, but there is statistical evidence that he is on his way. Gordon leads this list in hits, runs, and doubles with 16.
2. Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
Like Gordon, Evan Longoria is also an up-and-coming player. The Tampa Bay rookie has 31 runs on 52 hits. He also has 15 doubles, a triple, 10 home runs, and 32 runs batted in. He has the best fielding percentage on this list. Longoria and Gordon also find their pitfalls in the same category. They have the two worst averages on this list.
1.Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees
Alex Rodriguez is not having an amazing season compared to his typical numbers. However, Rodriguez is going to the All-Star Game for two reasons. No. 1 is the wide Yankees' fanbase. No. 2 is the fact that American League third basemen are down this year. Rodriguez has 15 doubles, 10 home runs, 32 runs batted in, and a .316 average, the best on this list.
American League
C A.J. Pierzynski, Chicago White Sox
1B Kevin Youkilis, Boston Red Sox
2B Ian Kinsler, Texas Rangers
3B Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees
SS
OF
OF
OF
P
National League
C Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves
1B Lance Berkman, Houston Astros
2B Chase Utley, Philadelphia Phillies
3B Next up (Tentatively scheduled for tomorrow)
SS
OF
OF
OF
P
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6 months ago
I love these articles Matt and I honestly look forward to reading each one of your positional breakdowns. I try hard to come up with arguments against your picks but its too hard!
If the AL could play without a 3B this year it might work because no one truly deserves it. I hate Joe Crede and his team, but he is having a pretty solid season and deserves consideration (like you gave him).
Obviously, the fans will vote in A-Rod, and I have no problem with that because he is the best player in the league and if not for injuries surely would have more statistics.
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