Ortiz needs boost to return to Minnesota as All-Star

Big Papi in second place for starting DH spot; online balloting runs through July 3

Ortiz needs boost to return to Minnesota as All-Star

Red Sox slugger David Ortiz is used to setting the pace in the All-Star balloting. This time, he will need a push from his fans to earn a starting spot.

In the latest round of balloting, Ortiz remained in second place, trailing Nelson Cruz of the Orioles at designated hitter.

Cruz has 1,404,275 votes, compared to 1,036,055 for Big Papi.

Ortiz returning to Minneapolis for the All-Star Game would certainly be a big storyline. The Twins released him following the 2002 season, and the Red Sox signed him as a free agent, at which point he developed into one of the elite sluggers in the game.

Ortiz would love to play an All-Star Game at Target Field, where he is a .509 hitter (29-for-57) with nine homers, 22 RBIs and a 1.615 OPS.








Ortiz is vying to become an All-Star for the 10th time -- all with the Red Sox. Even at the age of 38, he remains one of the most feared hitters in the game.

Dustin Pedroia is another Red Sox cornerstone who will need a push from his fans to solidify a starting spot at second base. The Mariners' Robinson Cano (1,111,880 votes) and Ian Kinsler of the Tigers (887,544) currently lead Pedroia (778,700).

For many years, Pedroia and Ortiz have been the two leaders of Boston's offense.

"Whether it's going bad or going good, they're the leaders of our everyday lineup," said John Farrell, who will manage the American League All-Stars. "It's not going to be resting upon their shoulders solely, but they're the main cogs in it."

A.J. Pierzynski, in his first year with the Red Sox, ranks fourth at catcher. Pierzynski has 491,709 votes.


1. Matt Wieters, Orioles: 1,235,369
2. Brian McCann, Yankees: 827,200
3. Derek Norris, A's: 813,053
4. A.J. Pierzynski, Red Sox: 491,709
5. Kurt Suzuki, Twins: 465,202

1. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers: 1,477,420
2. Jose Abreu, White Sox: 845,059
3. Albert Pujols, Angels: 707,924
4. Chris Davis, Orioles: 659,800
5. Mark Teixeira, Yankees: 436,504

1. Robinson Cano, Mariners: 1,111,880
2. Ian Kinsler, Tigers: 887,544
3. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox: 778,700
4. Brian Dozier, Twins: 488,524
5. Jose Altuve, Astros: 392,416

1. Derek Jeter, Yankees: 1,376,054
2. Alexei Ramirez, White Sox: 1,212,362
3. J.J. Hardy, Orioles: 754,764
4. Jose Reyes, Blue Jays: 536,525
5. Jed Lowrie, A's: 401,798

1. Josh Donaldson, A's: 1,470,544
2. Evan Longoria, Rays: 729,092
3. Manny Machado, Orioles: 720,761
4. Adrian Beltre, Rangers: 707,952
5. Brett Lawrie, Blue Jays: 469,855

1. Nelson Cruz, Orioles: 1,404,275
2. David Ortiz, Red Sox: 1,036,055
3. Victor Martinez, Tigers: 843,215
4. Edwin Encarnacion, Blue Jays: 738,107
5. Brandon Moss, A's: 480,597

1. Jose Bautista, Blue Jays: 2,135,223
2. Mike Trout, Angels: 1,945,170
3. Melky Cabrera, Blue Jays: 1,096,784
4. Adam Jones, Orioles: 820,336
5. Jacoby Ellsbury, Yankees: 813,357
6. Yoenis Cespedes, A's: 799,123
7. Michael Brantley, Indians: 720,961
8. Carlos Beltran, Yankees: 712,154
9. Nick Markakis, Orioles: 691,023
10. Torii Hunter, Tigers: 666,116
11. Shin-Soo Choo, Rangers: 532,267
12. Alex Rios, Rangers: 483,151
13. Brett Gardner, Yankees: 453,169
14. Coco Crisp, A's: 444,433
15. David Lough, Orioles: 396,085
