MLBFC Debate: Cano vs. Kinsler

So the second MLB All-Star Game ballot update was released this week and I can’t say that I completely agree with the results to this point. But for the purposes of this blog, I’m only going to address the race at second base. More specifically, I want to talk about the tally in the American League, since as usual the National League has it right with Atlanta Braves second baseman Dan Uggla leading the way.

If voting ended today, Ian Kinsler of the Texas Rangers would be the American League starter at second base. Now I’m not going to sit here and tell you that Kinsler isn’t an outstanding option for the AL, but I am going to tell you that he is not the BEST option. To me, the start should go to New York Yankees star Robinson Cano. According to the latest numbers, Cano currently trails Kinsler by 188,005 votes, but he has made up nearly 100,000 votes since the first update was released last week, which indicates to me that voters may be changing their minds.

Cano has certainly given voters every reason to consider him over Kinsler. Cano leads all American League second basemen in home runs and slugging percentage. Before you jump down my throat, I know that he hits in the heart of the Yankees' order and is there to hit for power, while Kinsler is a leadoff hitter who’s job is completely different. But wait, Cano also leads AL second basemen in batting average AND on-base percentage. Funny, shouldn’t hitters at the top of the order be leading in those categories?

Besides the actual game itself, the Home Run Derby is the thing that baseball fans look forward to most. Robinson Cano was named the Captain of the American League team for this years Derby. How can you have the CAPTAIN of your Derby team coming off the bench in the All-Star Game? Show the reigning Home Run Derby Champion the respect he deserves. How cool was it to watch him crush home run after home run while his father pitched to him during last year’s Derby?

So let me reiterate, despite ALL the facts I’ve presented, Kinsler is a GREAT player and is deserving of a trip to Kansas City, but I think that Cano is the BETTER choice and should be the starter.

What do you think? Tweet me at @SkippinsYNN and @MLBFanCave with your opinion.