Hamilton jumps to second among AL outfielders

Jun 2, 2008 - 6:44 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton is starting to get noticed for his outstanding season.

Hamilton jumped up four spots to second among outfielders in the latest update of American League All-Star balloting, announced Monday by Major League Baseball.

In the midst of a Triple Crown-type season, Hamilton leads the AL in home runs (15) and RBI (63) and sits second in batting average behind the New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui at .328.

Hamilton has draw 479,492 votes, well below the leading total of 811,612 of Boston Red Sox slugger Manny Ramirez. Filling out the third spot in the outfield is Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners with 456,136.

It would be the first All-Star appearance for the 27-year-old Hamilton, who was sidelined for the game for three years due to drug addiction.

The overall leader in AL voting is Boston designated hitter David Ortiz with 893,915 votes.

Ramirez and Ortiz are two of five Boston players that are leading their respective position in the balloting. First baseman Kevin Youkilis (662,869), second baseman Dustin Pedroia (591,860) and catcher Jason Varitek (477,630) are the others.

On the left side of the infield, a pair of Yankees are on top in shortstop Derek Jeter (832,561) and third baseman Alex Rodriguez (712,899). The duo have comprised the starting left side of the infield for the AL in four of the last five years.

The 79th All-Star Game will be played on July 15 at Yankee Stadium.