Where MLB fantasy players stand … no politics involved

Although the midpoint of the MLB season is already in the rearview, its ceremonial… Although the midpoint of the MLB season is already in the rearview, its ceremonial commencement, the All-Star Game, unofficially marks the season’s halfway point.

For the last two days, 686 players got a break from baseball, while the other 64 headed off on a quasi-vacation, wallowing in a media frenzy and perhaps working harder than ever while signing hundreds of autographs. Hmm, actually sounds like work.

Anyway, in light of the gathering, I’ve compiled my own pseudo-fantasy All-Star starter list.

Unlike the real All-Star starters, these have been chosen strictly on productivity, not celebrity.

First Base: Lance Berkman (.347 BA, 22 HR, 73 RBI, 15 SB).

The Big Puma isn’t just the obvious choice, he’s the only choice. Ryan Howard has struck out more than Duckie in “Pretty in Pink,” so he loses considerable regard. Berkman leads the majors in OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage). And while OPS might not be a fantasy category in your league, batting average, RBIs and home runs are. Berkman is in the top two in each of those stats among all first basemen.

Second Base: Ian Kinsler (.337 BA, 84 R, 14 HR, 23 SB).

Let the debate begin. Yes, Chase Utley is a solid player. But Kinsler leads the league in runs scored, with 84. He has 14 homers, 53 RBIs and has been the most valuable second baseman in all of fantasy baseball.

Shortstop: Hanley Ramirez (.311 BA, 23 HR, 80 R, 23 SB).

Ramirez decided to go from a 33-inch bat to a 35-incher. This means fantasy owners could expect an even greater jump in his power numbers, as his 23 home runs at the break might be as good an indicator. While his steals are down a bit (23 this year, 27 at the break last year), the power boom makes it easy to accept a slight decline in swipes. Especially when he’s still a virtual lock for 40.

Third Base: Alex Rodriguez (.312 BA, 53 R, 19 HR, 53 RBI, 13 SB).

Call me hypocritical, this spot should be reserved for Chipper Jones. But I’ll take A-Rod’s first half simply because of overall production. You could make a case for three other guys, but Rodriguez produced efficiently across the board and has been solid defensively.

Catcher: Russell Martin (.294 BA, 10 HR, 45 RBI, 10 SB).

Martin’s ability to steal bases makes him an obvious choice at catcher. While Brian McCann and Geovany Soto have 17 and 16 home runs, respectively, Martin is one of those guys whose stolen base production aids you in the battle against the awful disease known as the one-trick pony. Like Berkman at first, if you have a guy who steals at a position that normally doesn’t produce in that category, it’s far less likely you’ll have a Michael Bourn or Juan Pierre sighting in your lineup, which is a victory in itself.

Outfield: Josh Hamilton (.310 BA, 21 HR, 95 RBI).

Hamilton’s 95 RBIs are the fifth most in the majors prior to the All-Star break, just 10 behind Hank Greenberg in 1935. Greenberg went on to drive in 170, and while Hamilton likely won’t get to 170, don’t be surprised if he challenges 160.

Grady Sizemore (60 R, 23 HR, 54 RBI, 22 SB).

Sizemore has been the only big gun in a lineup that hasn’t been the league’s biggest disappointment. Travis Hafner and Victor Martinez have been injured almost all season, making them virtual non-factors. And because of that, Sizemore isn’t going to score as many runs as he did the last two seasons. Still, he will score more than 100. The biggest story about Sizemore’s first half is that power. Sizemore’s career high in homers is 28 in a season. This year, he’s belted 22 before the break. Others have been productive, but Sizemore is the only outfielder to go 20 for 20 prior to the break.

Nate McLouth (69 R, 19 HR, 65 RBI, 11 SB).

Anyone who predicted that McLouth would be a top-three fantasy outfielder before the season either: a. had an Iron City can in their hand, b. is a genius, c. can’t pronounce their diphthongs or d. all of the above. It’s true though, out of all the big-name outfielders, McLouth’s first half production is top notch.

Starting Pitcher: Roy Halladay (146.1 IP, 11W, 121 K, 2.71 ERA, 1.00 WHIP).

Halladay is a horse. He already has seven complete games this year. He gives you a lot of innings of low ERA and WHIP production. He’s going to win you a lot of games, but unlike years past, he’s also striking out a high number of guys. Last year, Halladay only struck out 139 on the season. This year he has 121 at the break.

Closer: Francisco Rodriguez (38 Saves).

Mariano Rivera has better overall numbers, but Rodriguez has 15 more saves. Unlike the mid-summer classic, this game isn’t played at Yankee Stadium, so I’ll take Rodriguez as my guy in the ninth inning.