American League – With All Star selections, it’s up to the competition to take the starting spot away from the holder.  Placido Polanco started for the AL last year and he’s having a decent season so far in 2008, which means that another second baseman needs to make a very strong case to take his place.

Dustin Pedroia looks to have got this position wrapped up thanks to the Red Sox Nation, but his performances (relatively speaking) don’t really justify his seemingly inevitable nomination.  Playing well on a winning team is certainly worth something and there’s no doubt that Pedroia played his part in the Red Sox’s success last year.  However, compare his contribution to that of Ian Kinsler’s in 2008 and there’s only one winner: across the board, the Texas Ranger has outperformed Pedroia.  So, is that enough to push Kinsler ahead?  I think so.  Pedroia is the bigger ’star’ thanks to playing for Boston, but he’s not been a ’star’ performer in any other way.  As a result, it’s fair to allow Kinsler’s excellent three months to take precedence as Pedroia doesn’t have a longer track record to fall back on.  Whether it’s enough to take the jersey from Polanco is the only question left to answer.  Kinsler brings a lot more power and speed, while Polanco is the better all round hitter at this moment in time.  The deciding factor for me is that the ASG is an exhibition game (regardless of Selig’s attempts to claim otherwise).  In such a contest, you have to place a higher value on the home runs and stolen bases that Kinsler brings to the table; therefore he just gets my vote.

Outside of those three, Brian Roberts continues to perform at a high level for the Orioles, while Robinson Cano’s slow start has put him out of contention this year.

National League – If we’re being honest, the two ASG second base spots have basically been decided by the voters already.  In Pedroia’s case, I don’t agree with the majority.  In the case of Chase Utley, I certainly do.  Yes he is streaky at the plate, but when he is hot there are few batters in the Majors that are capable of beating a team on his own in the way that Utley can.  Combine that with his improved defense and you’ve got a perennial MVP candidate for many years to come.  That’s an All Star in anyone’s language.  Dan Uggla can feel a little hard done by and he would be a worthy All Star were it not for Utley standing in his way.

Elsewhere, Brandon Phillips is quietly enhancing his reputation with the Reds and Kelly Johnson continues to be a solid performer for the Braves.  Orlando Hudson could well see himself jumping to the top of the second base pack in the AL in 2009 if he switches leagues over the off-season, but for now he has to sit on the sidelines.

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