=== Soriano is the leading vote-getter in early AL balloting === New York, NY (My Sportsbook) - New York Yankees second baseman Alfonso Soriano is the leading vote-getter in the American League in early balloting results for the 2003 All-Star Game. Soriano, who has accumulated 378,398 votes, is hitting .304 with 40 RBI and leads the Junior Circuit with 17 home runs. New York also has three other players leading in votes at their positions: outfielder Bernie Williams, first baseman Jason Giambi and catcher Jorge Posada. The other AL leaders in early balloting by position are shortstop Alex Rodriguez of the Texas Rangers, third baseman Troy Glaus of the World Series champion Anaheim Angels, outfielder Manny Ramirez of the Boston Red Sox and outfielder Ichiro Suzuki and designated hitter Edgar Martinez of the Seattle Mariners. Rodriguez, in his third season with Texas, is vying to be elected the AL's starting shortstop for the sixth time in the past seven years. He led the majors last season with 57 home runs and 142 RBI and is currently hitting .294 with 16 homers and 36 RBI. This year's Mid-Summer Classic will be played at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago on July 15. For the first time, the outcome of the game will impact postseason play, as the winning league will have home field advantage in the 2003 World Series. |
