Ellsbury Shines Again

"Facts are such stubborn things."

Sortable Batting
RK	PLAYER		AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	SB	CS	BB	SO	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
1	Ichiro Suzuki		228	37	66	9	2	3	14	24	2	19	21	.289	.349	.386	.735
2	Jacoby Ellsbury		168	40	47	5	2	4	19	23	2	25	18	.280	.379	.405	.784

Earlier this year I wrote of the possibility that Jacoby Ellsbury could be a part of the American League All-Star team. Is that just a pipe dream or something more.

Ellsbury has already added three more stolen bases tonight to assume the league lead, scored another run to remain in second place hehind Ian Kinsler, and has played outstanding defense at all three outfield positions, including saving Jon Lester's no-hitter with a diving catch.

If you examine his statistics relative to Ichiro, Ellsbury has scored more runs in far fewer plate appearances, and has higher on-base percentage, slugging average, and on-base-slugging percentage than the veteran Seattle All-Star. Consider that Ichiro is only one of two AL rookies to win both the Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same year (along with Fred Lynn) and Ellsbury runs along the big dogs.

Will Ellsbury have a chance to be named (or voted in the special fan vote) to the AL stars? Doubtful, with so many Sox already prominently featured on the balloting (Varitek, Pedroia, Youkilis, Ortiz, and Ramirez).

It's easy to name some deserving and terrific outfielders 'ahead' of Ellsbury, including Carlos Quentin of the White Sox, Josh Hamilton of Texas, Maglio Ordonez of the Tigers, Manny Ramirez, Jack Cust of Oakland, and Grady Sizemore of the Indians.

Realistically, I'll be surprised if Ellsbury makes the trip to New York in July as an All-Star. But if the AL wants to win the Summer Classic, Ellsbury would be on that team.

Congratulations to Manny being Manny, delivering home run number 500 tonight at Camden Yards before "Fenway South".