The American League and National League will square off on July 12 in Phoenix, Ariz., for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. And when they do so, there's a good chance that the Red Sox and Yankees will be well represented.
In the last decade or so, as the popularity of each team has reached levels it may have never seen before, both teams have dominated the AL All-Star Game roster. This season expects to be no difference as the Red Sox and Yankees are already at or near the top of voting totals for fan voting. And with the incredible talent on both rosters, it's safe to assume even more representatives will be voted in during the player and manager vote.
Dominating the All-Star roster is nothing new for either club. In fact, since 2005 neither Boston nor New York had a season in which they didn't have at least three All-Stars on the roster. The high-water mark came last summer when the Yankees had eight players on the roster in Anaheim.
While the Yankees may have comprised a good portion of the roster last season, it's actually been the Red Sox who have made more appearances in the last seven Midsummer Classics.Since 2005, thanks to legends like Mark Loretta (All-Star starter in 2006) and Matt Clement (took the injured Roy Halladay's spot in 2005), the Sox have had 34 All-Stars named to just 24 for the Yankees.
And who could forget the 2008 All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium? In the old stadium's final season, seven Red Sox were named to the team (with three starters), while only three Yankees even made the roster. Then, J.D. Drew won MVP honors to top it off.
This year, though, the Yankees have jumped out to an early lead, at least in fan voting. The slow start from the Red Sox (likely paired with the Bruins' Stanley Cup Final run) has surely played a part in some of the low vote totals for the Sox, but as evidenced by David Ortiz passing Michael Young for the designated hitter role, it looks like Red Sox fans are getting out the vote.
Of course, the fan voting is only one element of the voting, and the players' votes and the managers' selections help determine the rest of the roster. And with Boston's impressive play over the last month, it's safe to assume they're going to have a strong presence on that AL roster.
Just like the Yankees will.
Will the Red Sox or Yankees have more All-Stars this summer? Share your thoughts below.
Will the Red Sox or Yankees have more All-Stars this summer?Market Research
Wednesday, June 8: Who will lead the Yankees in home runs in this season?