It's become a bit of a Twinkie Town tradition. If you want a blast from the past, check out previous editions from 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Catcher
Make all the arguments you want for another American League catcher, but this guy is the best. He just is.
Previous Selections: 3 (2006, 2008, 2009)
Runner Up: Victor Martinez, Red Sox
First Base
This one is actually a pretty close choice, because Miguel Caberra is having an incredible season. But I have to go with Justin, because he has been the center piece of the Minnesota offense all season. When Mauer was hurt, and when Mauer wasn't hitting like Mauer, Justin was there for you. With a hockey stick.
Previous Selections: 3 (2007 - 2009)
Runner-Up: Miguel Cabrera, Tigers
Second Base
Cano is a great baseball player. He just is. He's raking in extra-base hits, and because his batting average is so incredibly high it off-sets the fact that he doesn't actually walk that often...and he still has a superb on-base percentage. But man...I hate it when I have to vote Yankee.
Previous Selections: 1 (2006)
Runner-Up: Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox
Third Base
Fewer home runs than his runner-up MVP season of '04, but he's still having a monster year. Oh yeah, he plays some pretty damn fine defense, too.
Previous Selections: 0
Runner-Up: Evan Longoria, Rays
Shortstop
Ladies and gentlemen...a high Derek Jeter. Seriously though, he's the benefactor of an exceptionally weak shortstop class this season. He typically hits much better in every facet of his game, so I have to ask: is this finally the season where we see Jeter's skills start to decline? He just turned 36, so...maybe.
Jeter: Okay, let me know when you're gonna take the picture. [Camera clicks] HEY!
Previous Selections: 10 (1998 - 2002, 2004, 2006 - 2009)
Runner-Up: Alexei Ramirez, White Sox
Left Field
This guy is having an absolute monster season. I know he's starting the actual All-Star game in center, but he's been playing a lot of left and he's listed as a left fielder. So here he is.
Previous Selections: 2 (2008, 2009)
Runner-Up: Carl Crawford, Rays
Center Field
Another great offensive season for a center fielder, Hunter continues to actually get better with age. Congrats, Torii. You deserve it.
Previous Selections: 3 (2002, 2007, 2009)
Runner-Up: Alex Rios, White Sox
Right Field
Another Ichiro-esque season. He does it in his sleep.
Previous Selections: 9 (2001 - 2009)
Runner-Up: David DeJesus, Royals
Designated Hitter
I never thought Vlad was quite finished, even if he can't field and can barely run. Good for him. This competition isn't even close.
Previous Selections: 8 (1999 - 2002, 2004 - 2007)
Runner-Up: David Ortiz, Red Sox
That's it! Those are the nine guys I think are most deserving, and their backups. What about you--who do you like? Is anybody being unfairly excluded?