Early MLB All-Star Game Ballot Results
We're finally getting a glimpse at the All-Star Game polls, and it's no surprise that Buster Posey and Miguel Cabrera are the leading vote-getters.
There's still a month left to vote - here are some of the interesting storylines.
American League
Nicest surprise: Torii Hunter (No. 3 among OF) is rewarding the Detroit Tigers for taking a chance on him. The 37-year-old is hitting .316 with a .363 on-base percentage and has settled in nicely as Jim Leyland's No. 2 hitter. Hunter celebrated his 2,000th hit in April and the fans have made sure his efforts don't go unnoticed.
Don't sleep on: Orioles fans are making a statement early in the balloting with Chris Davis leading first basemen and Matt Wieters, Manny Machado, J.J. Hardy and Adam Jones all in second place at their positions. Nick Markakis and Nate McLouth are lurking in the outfield race. The San Francisco Giants fans came out in droves last season to make the races interesting - can O's fans do the same this year?
Where is he?: Josh Donaldson (outside top five 3B) has the unfortunate pleasure of competing in what is probably the deepest position in A.L. balloting. Reigning triple-crown winner Miguel Cabrera is stiff enough competition, but then you add in Manny Machado, Adrian Beltre and Evan Longoria, it's far from a cakewalk. Still, at .319/8/34, Donaldson deserves some love.
National League
Nicest Surprise: Shin-Soo Choo (No. 5 among OF) has solidified the leadoff spot for Dusty Baker and the Cincinnati Reds, getting on base at a .438 clip. He's second in the majors, only to teammate Joey Votto, in walks, and has already matched a career-high being plunked 17 times. I'm glad to see him right in the thick of things.
Don't sleep on: David Wright (No. 2 among 3B) once again trails Pablo Sandoval at the hot corner. Giants fans know how the process works and they play the game with the best of them. But as the clock winds down, Mets fans will come out and make sure Captain America is on the field in the first inning to represent his team and his city.
Where is he?: Carlos Gomez (No. 12 among OF) is doing it all for the Milwaukee Brewers this season. He's third in the NL in WAR and has consistently been tearing the cover off the ball. Daniel Murphy (outside top five 2B) is having a great season at second base for the Mets, and rookie Evan Gattis (C/OF - Atlanta Braves) certainly deserves some write-in votes for all the mashing and clutch hits he's provided.
Head over to MLB.com/vote to cast your ballots now!