2011 All-Star Game: Rangers’ Hamilton Starts; Players Pick Beltre and Young

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton will get the start in the outfield for the American League in the 2011 All-Star Game held in Phoenix. This will be the fourth straight start for the power slugger who is currently hitting .301 with 10 home runs and 40 runs batted in this season for the Texas Rangers.

The 2010 AL MVP has at least a hit in three appearances at the plate in each of his prior three appearances in the All-Star Game. He secured a stolen base back in 2008 and had an RBI in 2009; however, he has never hit a homer in this summer game. Will he be able to do it this year? He’s been pretty hot at the plate lately so he may just do it.

Players voted in two Texas Rangers – DH Michael Young and 3B Adrian Beltre – as reserves. This will be Adrina’s second appearance in an All-Star Game and Young’s seventh.

Young was chosen as a reserve from 2004 to 2009 and will get back in the game this year thanks to his consistent batting average this season and current .313 batting average with seven home runs and 54 runs batted in. In the All-Star Games, Young has played at first base, second base and third base. He got to make a start in 2009 because of an injury to starter Evan Longoria. Young was named 2006 All-Star MVP after getting a game winning two-run triple.

Beltre was a reserve in 2010 and was able to enter the game during the 8th inning but went to an at-bat in the 9th to strikeout. He is currently hitting .265. He has 14 home runs and an incredible 61 runs batted in. While he does have 11 errors this season, he has an impeccable glove and can cover ground better than almost anyone else. Some of his plays have been crazy but they got the job done. He is a player that does what he has to in order to catch that ball coming his way.

With that all being said, there are four Rangers that will be at the All-Star Game this year: Josh Hamilton, Adrian Beltre, Michael Young and C.J. Wilson.

Courtesy of MLB.com, here is a look at your full 2011 All-Star Game Roster:

American League All-Star Starting Roster
1B Adrian Gonzalez (Red Sox)
2B Robinson Cano (Yankees)
SS Derek Jeter (Yankees)
3B Alex Rodriguez (Yankees)
C Alex Avilla (Tigers)
OF Jose Bautista (
OF Curtis Granderson (Yankees)
OF Josh Hamilton (Rangers)
DH David Ortiz (Red Sox)

American League Starting Pitchers
Josh Beckett (Red Sox)
Gio Gonzalez (Athletics)
Felix Hernandez (Mariners)
David Price (Rays)
James Shields (Rays)
Justin Verlander (Tigers)
Jered Weaver (Angels)
C.J. Wilson (Rangers)

American League Relievers
Aaron Crow (Royals)
Brandon League (Mariners)
Chris Perez (Indians)
Mariano Rivera (Yankees)
Jose Valverde (Tigers)

American League Catchers
Martin and Matt Wieters (Orioles)

American League Infielders
Adrian Beltre (Rangers)
Asdrubal Cabrera (Indians)
Miguel Cabrera (Tigers)
Howard Kendrick (Angels)

American League Outfielders
Michael Cuddyer (Twins)
Jacoby Ellsbury (Red Sox)
Matt Joyce (Rays)
Carlos Quentin (White Sox)

American League DH
Michael Young (Rangers)

National League All-Star Starting Roster
1B Prince Fielder (Brewers)
2B Rickie Weeks (Brewers)
SS Jose Reyes (Mets)
3B Placido Polanco (Phillies)
C Brian McCann (Braves)
OF Ryan Braun (Brewers)
OF Lance Berkamn (Cardinals)
OF Matt Kemp (Dodgers)

National League Starting Pitchers
Matt Cain (Giants)
Roy Halladay (Phillies)
Cole Hamels (Phillies)
Jair Jurrjens (Braves)
Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers)
Cliff Lee (Phillies)
Tim Lincecum (Giants)
Ryan Vogelsong (Giants)
National League Relievers
Heath Bell (Padres)
Tyler Clippard (Nationals)
Joel Hanrahan (Pirates)
Jonny Venters (Braves)
Brian Wilson (Giants)

National League Catcher
Yadier Molina (Cardinals)

National League Infielders
Starlin Castro (Cubs)
Chipper Jones (Braves)
Brandon Phillips (Reds)
Gaby Sanchez (Marlins)
Troy Tulowitzki (Rockies)
Joey Votto (Reds)

National League Outfielders
Carlos Beltran (Mets)
Jay Bruce (Reds)
Matt Holliday (Cardinals)
Hunter Pence (Astros)
Justin Upton (D-backs)