All-Stars: The FINAL VOTE

As promised, I will now evaluate the All-Stars (and potential All-Stars) who were not voted as starters by the fans. I decided to start with the ten FINAL VOTE candidates (five from each league), even though none of them have officially made the team, because their situations are the most urgent - voting ends on Thursday. And in an effort to make a more informed voting decision myself, I figure I would post my decision-making process for posterity.

AL FINAL VOTE Candidates

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POS	Name	swp	swp/g	Team	WAR
1B	Paul Konerko	1,122	15.8	CHW	2.6
OF	Nick Swisher	994	13.8	NYY	2.3
OF	Delmon Young	836	11.8	MIN	0.5
3B	Michael Young	1,150	14.9	TEX	2.1
1B	Kevin Youkilis	1,244	16.6	BOS	3.3

By the numbers - both sabermetric and outdated-fantasy style - Youkilis is the obvious choice. The only problem is that the roster already includes two first basemen, and might be better served with a batter with more versatility. But with 34 roster spots and a DH slot available, I'd 100% go with the most productive offensive player.


NL FINAL VOTE Candidates

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POS	Name	swp	swp/g	Team	WAR
RP	Heath Bell	1,039	31.5	SD	1.2
OF	Carlos Gonzalez	1,005	15.0	COL	1.4
1B	Joey Votto	1,242	17.0	CIN	3.2
RP	Billy Wagner	1,052	32.9	ATL	1.4
3B	Ryan Zimmerman	924	13.0	WAS	2.2

Again, the most productive player on the list is Votto, another first baseman. Notable here is the inclusion of two relief pitchers, where the AL list had none. Bell and Wagner have both been having amazing seasons - certainly more impressive statistically than setup men Arthur Rhodes and Evan Meek. But on a roster that already includes five relievers and almost twice as many starters, is another short term arm really necessary?

YOU DECIDE!