Mauer, Jeter lead the way in first A.L. All-Star balloting update

Reigning A.L. MVP Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins is the top vote-getter in the first A.L. balloting figures for the 81st All-Star Game, to be played on Tuesday, July 13 at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. The first National League All-Star balloting totals will be released tomorrow.

Bidding for his fourth Midsummer Classic appearance and his third consecutive start, Mauer leads all American League players with 644,533 votes. He narrowly holds the overall lead over New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, who has collected 639,227 as he vies for his 11th trip to the All-Star Game. Joining the Yankee captain among the A.L. leaders are teammates Mark Teixeira (396,034), who is ahead of Justin Morneau (258,225) of the Twins and Miguel Cabrera (242,039) of the Detroit Tigers at first base, and Robinson Cano (491,188), who is outpacing Dustin Pedroia (279,452) of the Boston Red Sox at second base. The only leading A.L. infielder who does not call Yankee Stadium home is Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria, who is looking to earn his third All-Star berth in his third Major League season, including his second straight election by fans. Longoria’s 541,253 votes rank first at the hot corner, trailed by New York’s Alex Rodriguez (411,655).

The A.L. outfield is led by Seattle Mariners nine-time All-Star Ichiro Suzuki, who has drawn 366,903 votes to top all A.L. outfielders. Last year’s All-Star Game MVP, Tampa Bay’s Carl Crawford (319,953), is currently in line for his first fan-elected start and his fourth Midsummer Classic nod overall. Rounding out the A.L. outfield is Texas Rangers right fielder Nelson Cruz, whose 307,928 votes put him ahead of teammate Josh Hamilton (265,896). Cruz made his All-Star Game debut last year, while Hamilton has been a fan-elected starter in each of the last two years. Among the many outfielders in contention are Curtis Granderson (264,572) of the Yankees and Torii Hunter (230,036) of the host Angels. The designated hitter slot is currently held by Rangers eight-time All-Star Vladimir Guerrero, who has garnered 374,333 votes. Guerrero’s closest competition is Angels slugger Hideki Matsui, who has received 298,487 votes.

Voting in stadiums concludes on Wednesday, June 23, and online voting at MLB.com and the 30 Club Web sites continues until Thursday, July 1, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

The 81st Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and Sportsnet HD and Le Reseau des Sports, and around the world by Major League Baseball International, with pregame ceremonies beginning at 8 p.m. ET 5 p.m. PT.  ESPN Radio will provide exclusive national radio coverage.  MLB Network, MLB.com and Sirius XM also will provide comprehensive All-Star Game coverage.

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Topics: all star game, Angel Stadium Of Anaheim, Boston Red Sox, Classic Appearance, Curtis Granderson, Detroit Tigers, Ichiro Suzuki, Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Robinson Cano, Seattle Mariners, Shortstop Derek Jeter, Star Balloting, Star Game Mvp, Tampa Bay Rays, Third Baseman, Torii Hunter, Vote Getter, Yankee Stadium

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