Youkilis vs. Morneau @ 1B

The popularity contest is over, and it looks like the Red Sox Kevin Youkilis will start at 1B for the AL All-Stars. He has had a great year, almost as good as Twins Justin Morneau. A look at the numbers:

Youkils 78 games, Morneau 85... over both careers Justin is more durable and more dependable. That includes 2008.

Youkilis 291 at-bats, Morneau 329. More games, more at-bats.

Youk 48 runs, Morneau 46. While Morneau gets on-base more, Youk has had better support behind him, and the Red Sox score more runs.

Youk 89 hits, Morneau 102. 38 more at-bats, 13 more hits. Comparable, but edge to Justin.

Youk 13 Home Runs, Justin 12. Edge to Youk, homer about every 22.4 at-bats, compared to Morneau's 27.4.

Youk 51 RBI, Morneau 63. Big edge Morneau. Kevin has had more opportunity in fewer at-bats, but Morneau's RBI edge is due in part to Joe Mauer's high OBP.

Youk 30 BB - 57 SO, Morneau 31 -52. Morneau slight edge. BB to K ratio is better, less Ks despite 38 more at-bats.

Youk .306, Morneau .310. Edge to Justin, though not big. Both have hit well above lifetime averages in 2008. Youk .284, Morneau .280.

Youk .382 OBP, Morneau .370. Edge to Youk. Youk's lifetime OBP is about there, while Morneau's is lower (.344).

Youk .529 Slugging Pct., Morneau .483... big edge to Youk. Lifetime Morneau far superior (.496 to .451), but in 2008 Youk has done more in fewer at-bats.

What does it all mean? They are probably even to date. In fielding, Morneau has 2 errors playing every day, while Youkilis has 2 (1 as 3B) playing most days.

Lifetime Morneau has .280, 122, 457.

Lifetime Youkilis has .284, 50, 250.

Morneau does this every year, Youkilis i.s having his best year. Youk's highest season? 2007, .288, 16, 83. Morneau's best, 2006, .321, 34, 130.

What do you all think?

Who the heck is Youkilis? Is that the guy that Manny pushed or is it the guy that carries Morneau's bags because he's not allowed to carry Morneau's jockstrap?

I couldn't help noticing that the AL voting didn't include an All Star at 1B. Actually, at alot of positions.

I always think one of the most intereting parts of the all-star game is playing time. Like the NBA game, coaches have to deal with huge egos.

The Red Sox coach, Terry Francona, will want to leave Kevin Youkilis in for at least 2 ABs, and if he gets a hit or two, maybe more It appears there may not be a 3rd first baseman chosen.

The Twins Justin Morneau should get the 2nd half of the game.

At catcher, Francona has Joe Mauer of the Twins, with (I am sure) Jason Varitek selected as a backup, and probably a third catcher. Mauer, already a batting champion at 25, will get the same look as Youk. Dioner Navarro of the Rays is close. Jorge Posada of the Yankees good when he is not hurt. But really, no one stands out.

I saw a projected roster that included 8 outfielders. That is ridiculous. Josh Hamilton of the Rangers will get his first start, Milton Bradley will almost certainly be selected as an alternate. Manny Ramirez gets his coach and the start, but a lot of reserves means Man-Ram may have a short day.

I do not agree that Emil Brown is an all-star as the lone Athletics representative. Rich Harden has the skills, if not the stats, but Duscherrer (spelling?) is the guy. Of course, Ichiro Suzuki is there.

And playing Yankees in New York? That is the most intriguing. Alex Rodriguez will start, should play as much as anyone. He has to get three at-bats, minimum. The others? What do you guys think?

Yes Terry Francona will want to keep Kevin Youkilis at first base for as long as he can, but he also has to remember that the All Star game counts for Home Field Advantage with the AL desperatly needs, so he had better make the right decision on when to pull Youk!

Joe Mauer most likely will play the entire game if Jason Varitek is the back-up!  I would not mind seeing Dioner Navarro in there as well!

Alex Rodriguez and Mike Lowell at third, that's a given.  Shortstop, um how about Julio Lugo (Ha-HA, that would be such a JOKE!)

second base, Dustin Pedroia and any other deserving 2nd baseman

Outfielders I am at a total loss!