AMERICAN LEAGUE
FIRST BASE: The stunning starter is Toronto switch-hitter Justin Smoak, followed closely by another unexpected newcomer: Tampa Bay’s Logan Morrison. Yonder Alonso represents lastplace Oakland.
SECOND BASE: Little big man Jose Altuve is a huge reason Houston has been the best team in baseball most of the year. His backups are Baltimore’s Jonathan Schoop and Seattle star Robinson Cano. SHORTSTOP: Carlos Correa makes it an all Astros double-play combination. Smooth-fielding Andrelton Simmons of the Angels is on the bench.
THIRD BASE: More surprises here, with Cleveland up-and-comer Jose Ramirez getting the start over Minnesota bopper Miguel Sano. CATCHER: Steady backstop Salvador Perez of the Royals receives his fifth straight nod. Young slugger Gary Sanchez from the Yankees gets his first.
OUTFIELD: Leading off, instant power from George Springer of the Astros. He starts in center field, with the towering Judge in right and Chicago first-timer Avisail Garcia shifting to left. The reserves are Boston’s Mookie Betts, Detroit’s Justin Upton and Kansas City’s Lorenzo Cain. DESIGNATED HITTER: Corey Dickerson of the Rays hits his way to a surprising spot in the lineup. Mariners thumper Nelson Cruz also gets a call.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
FIRST BASE: So many sluggers to choose from. In the end, Arizona’s Paul Goldschmidt gets the starting nod over Cincinnati’s Joey Votto, Chicago’s Anthony Rizzo and resurgent Ryan Zimmerman from Washington. Seems unfair to have to deny Rockies savior Mark Reynolds, putting up magnificent numbers and never an All-Star in 10 previous big league seasons.
SECOND BASE: Daniel Murphy is one of six Nationals selected, most of any team. Pirates dynamo Josh Harrison is the backup. SHORTSTOP: The starter is 2016 Rookie of the Year Corey Seager from the Dodgers. He edges out Reds first-timer Zack Cozart.
THIRD BASE: Another power-packed position overloaded with deserving candidates. Colorado’s Nolan Arenado wins the start, barely beating out Washington’s Anthony Rendon and reigning MVP Kris Bryant from the Cubs. Somehow, there’s no room for underrated Jake Lamb of the Diamondbacks or Milwaukee newcomer Travis Shaw. Several others warrant a look and can’t even get it. CATCHER: Giants star Buster Posey is a no-brainer. Cardinals professor Yadier Molina snags second string, a career achievement award at a thin position. OUTFIELD: Bearded wonder Charlie Blackmon of the Rockies plays center field, flanked by Harper in right and Marcell Ozuna from the hometown Marlins in left. Miami bopper Giancarlo Stanton can start at DH in his home ballpark, with New York’s Jay Bruce, Atlanta’s Ender Inciarte and Los Angeles rookie Cody Bellinger on the bench. Bellinger is playing first base these days due to Adrian Gonzalez’s injury, but he spent plenty of time in left field this season.