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Fantasy Baseball All-Stars – American League Lineup

By Zachary Thompson

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As we reach the mid-way point in the Major League Baseball season, it’s time to check in on the fantasy baseball players that have their owners in good position headed into the break. Many of these players were late-draft steals or even waiver wire finds. The NL Lineup is coming soon. The link will be posted when it becomes available.

Check out FantasyCPR’s sleeper central for a daily lineup of players worth considering for your lineup and plenty more fantasy baseball coverage.

AL Starting Lineup

June 29, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) right is greeted at home plate by Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) after Saltalamacchia hit a two run home run against the against the Seattle Mariners during the 6th inning at Safeco Field. Boston defeated Seattle 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-US PRESSWIRE
June 29, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Boston Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia (39) right is greeted at home plate by Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz (34) after Saltalamacchia hit a two run home run against the against the Seattle Mariners during the 6th inning at Safeco Field. Boston defeated Seattle 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-US PRESSWIRE /

C– Jarrod Saltalamacchia – Bos: Largely undrafted, Salty’s 17 home runs are the most for any catcher. He’s added 41 RBI while hitting .239 and solidifying the role formerly held by the captain for the Red Sox. Honorable Mention: AJ Pierzynski (CHW), Joe Mauer (MIN).

1B– Prince Fielder – Det: Although the Tigers have been a disappointment the same can’t be said of Prince’s numbers. He is first among 1B and fifth overall in the Majors with 63 RBI and has 15 home runs, and a .885 OPS. Honorable Mention: Paul Konerko (CHW), Mark Teixeira (NYY).

July 2, 2012; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano (24) prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE
July 2, 2012; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano (24) prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE /

2B– Robinson Cano – NYY: Leading all 2B with a .314 average, 20 home runs, and 51 RBI, Cano hasn’t disappointed anyone who used an early pick on him. He’s become the most dangerous Yankee bat and dominates from a relatively thin-on-numbers position. Honorable Mention- Ian Kinsler (TEX), Jason Kipnis (CLE).

3B– Miguel Cabrera – Det: Barring injury or major slump, Cabrera will be the #1 overall selection in every draft next year after his first-half put to rest the Pujols/Cabrera debate. While his defense won’t win him any awards, he’s second in the Majors with 71 RBI while hitting .324 with 18 home runs. He leads the American League in hits, is third in doubles, and is sixth in batting average. Honorable Mention: Adrian Beltre (TEX), Mike Moustakas (KC), Will Middlebrooks (BOS)

SS– Asdrubel Cabrera – Cle: Cabrera is the most well-balanced American League SS and took a tumble in many drafts making him fairly affordable. He’s hitting .286 with 11 home runs and 42 RBI. Honorable Mention: Derek Jeter (NYY), Alcides Escobar (KC), Mike Aviles (BOS).

Jun 22, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton (32) smiles back to the dugout after he lost grip of his bat in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Rangers Ballpark. The Rangers beat the Rockies 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE
Jun 22, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton (32) smiles back to the dugout after he lost grip of his bat in the eighth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Rangers Ballpark. The Rangers beat the Rockies 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE /

CF– Josh Hamilton – Tex: Hamilton was seen as a health risk coming into the season, but has stayed healthy long enough to lead the Major Leagues in home runs and RBI. He’s hit .311 with 27 home runs and 75 RBI in just 79 games played. He’s solidified his place as one of the top hitters in the Bigs while leading a mashing Rangers lineup. Honorable Mention: Mike Trout (LAA), Austin Jackson (Det), Adam Jones (BAL), Curtis Granderson (NYY)

RF– Jose Bautista – Tor: Bautista shares the Major League home run lead with Hamilton with 27 and has 65 RBI. His average has been below his career average as he’s hitting just .244 but his splits have gotten better each month and he seems to be heating up for the second half. Honorable Mention: Josh Reddick (Oak), Alex Rios (CHW)

Jul 8, 2012; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels first baseman Mark Trumbo (44) bats in the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Angel Stadium. The Angels defeated the Orioles 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE
Jul 8, 2012; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels first baseman Mark Trumbo (44) bats in the fifth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Angel Stadium. The Angels defeated the Orioles 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE /

LF– Mark Trumbo – LAA: For the sake of this lineup we’ll swing Trumbo over to LF to get his 22 HR and 57 RBI in the lineup. His power-bat won’t hurt your average either with a .306 batting average and a .965 OPS. Positional questions and fear of a sophomore slump dropped him way down preseason draft boards. Honorable Mention: Josh Willingham (MIN)

DH– David Ortiz – Bos: Big Papi was left for done by fantasy owners, but has turned back the clock with 22 home runs, 56 RBI, and a .313 average. He’s played seven games at 1B and could regain eligibility there depending on interleague play in the second half. Papi’s in the top 10 in the AL in average, home runs, RBI, runs scored, walks, SLG, and OPS.  Honorable Mention: Edwin Encarnacion (TOR), Adam Dunn (CHW), Billy Butler (KC).

Starting Pitchers– Jered Weaver (LAA), Chris Sale (CHW), Jason Hammel (Bal), Jake Peavy (CHW), Jarrod Parker (OAK), David Price (TB), Yu Darvish (TB)

Relief Pitchers– Jim Johnson (Bal), Fernando Rodney (TB), Jonathan Broxton (KC), Rafael Soriano (NYY), Vinnie Pestano (CLE), Joaquin Benoit (DET)

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