So You Wanna Manage An All-Star Game?

Terry Francona has a pretty easy job when it comes to penciling in the Boston Red Sox' everyday line-up. But what should he do for the All-Star Game as he attempts to land home-field advantage in the World Series for his Red Sox or whoever represents the American League?

Here's what I think.

American League

1. Ichiro (.302 AVG, .360 OBP, 34 SB)
   
2. Derek Jeter (.284, 4 HR, 37 RBI)
   
3. Manny Ramirez (.278, 16, 53)
   
4. Josh Hamilton (.309, 19, 84)
   
5. Alex Rodriguez (.323, 18, 50)
   
6. Joe Mauer (.325, .415, .869 OPS)
   
7. Kevin Youkilis (.311, 13, 53)
   
8. Milton Bradley (.320, 17, 54)
   
9. Dustin Pedroia (.312, 9, 41)
   

Starting Pitcher Candidates: Cliff Lee (11-2, 99 K, 2.43 ERA), Scott Kazmir (7-3, 2.63, 75 K in 72 IP), Roy Halladay (10-6, 2.88 ERA, 113 K)

"Now pitching the top of the ninth inning..." Mariano Rivera (DUH!)

Comments: If you look at this line-up, it looks unfair. If you look at this line-up through the eyes of a stat guy, it still looks unfair. It's got power, speed and everything else you need. Manager Terry Francona has got it easy as he looks to manage the AL to another All-Star Game win.

National League

1. Alfonso Soriano (.283, 15, 40)
   
2. Hanley Ramirez (.304, 21, 43, 21 SB)
   
3. Chipper Jones (.388, 18, 50)
   
4. Albert Pujols* (.350, 18, 48)
   
5. Chase Utley (.294, 24, 67)
   
6. Ryan Braun (.284, 21, 59)
   
7. Lance Berkman (.349, 22, 69)
   
8. Geovany Soto (.289, 15, 52)
   
9. Kosuke Fukudome (.287, 7, .391 OBP)
   

Starting Pitcher Candidates: Tim Lincecum (10-1, 2.49 ERA, 122 K), Brandon Webb (12-4, 3.43 ERA, 100 K), Ben Sheets (10-2, 2.77 ERA, 97 K)

"Now pitching the bottom of the ninth inning..." Kerry Wood (22 SV, 54 K in 43.1 IP), Billy Wagner (19 SV, 2.31 ERA), Brad Lidge (19 SV/0 BLSV), 1.00 ERA)

Comments: In what will be the juiciest (on-field) storyline in the All-Star Game, Soriano will demand that he hits in the lead-off spot in the All-Star Game. Manager Clint Hurdle makes a no-brainer decision starting Pujols but putting him at first base, moving Berkman to the outfield and allowing the recuperating Soriano to be the designated hitter.

Let the debate begin!