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MLB All-Star Game: American League lineup predictions

By Nathaniel Reeves

Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (13) reacts after hitting a single in the 12th inning against the New York Mets in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (13) reacts after hitting a single in the 12th inning against the New York Mets in game five of the World Series at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 19, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) gets a walk off game-winning RBI single during the thirteenth inning as the Astros defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 19, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) gets a walk off game-winning RBI single during the thirteenth inning as the Astros defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Shortstop

Starter: Carlos Correa, Houston Astros.

Correa will join his double play partner in the starting AL middle infield for his first of many All-Star appearances this summer.

While the fan vote winners are typically aging veterans, Correa is the type of talent that the nation notices right away. Correa made an immediate impact as a rookie, posting 3.3 WAR in 99 games per FanGraphs to give Houston an important mid-season boost and win the Rookie of the Year Award.

Now, the 21-year-old has a chance to be even better in his first full season in the Majors. Correa has a .271/.352/.500 line through 13 games, and has already demonstrated the power to post a gaudy home run totaled by the break.

Even if Correa regresses a bit from last year’s numbers, he won’t have to hold off too many challengers in the fan vote, as the talent level at the shortstop position is very shallow across baseball. Troy Tulowitzki will garner plenty of support on name recognition alone, but has really struggled since leaving Colorado and will be hurt by his terrible start at the plate.

Reserves: Francisco Lindor, Cleveland Indians.

Last year’s Rookie of the Year runner-up, who actually topped Correa with 4.6 WAR per FanGraphs in the same number of games, will also head to San Diego following a terrific start to the season.

Next: Third Base

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