Among Catchers (MLB)
8th In RBI
13th HR
1st Triples
8th Doubles
3rd In Hits
3rd In Runs
8th In Batting Average (Min 200 AB's)
3rd In stolen bases
21th In Walks (Min 200 AB's)
11th In Slugging (Min 200 AB's)

Pudge is hurt in OPS by his lack of walks.
But he's in the top 10 of most everything else.

Now this is Why Pudge is deserving , and could be deserving with even worse offensive numbers

1st Field Pecentage 1.000%
1st (tie) Zone Rating 1.000%
1st Caught Stealing % 571 (80 higher than 2nd place)
1stCERA
1stErrrors (0)
1st Stolen Bases Allowed (9 , 7 lower than 2nd place)
4th Assists
6th Passed Balls
10th Range factor
15th Double Plays



The best defensive catcher, statistically and in large part also by reputation(not even in his prime)
Pudge plays in Comerica Park, one of top 5 pitchers parks in the majors,
and in a division with two of the best pitching rotation in baseball.
His offensive power numbers obviously take a hit because of it.

The only player in the AL that can make a legit claim to the starting spot in the All Star game is JOE MAUER.
And JOE MAUER has only been THIS good for 1 half of 1 season.

Pudge has been a great player for 15 years.
Has hit over 330 3 times,
is a career 300 hitter,
11 time gold glover,
AL MVP,
NCLS MVP,
7 Time Silver Slugger,
And 13 time All Star.
And he happens to be on a 1st place baseball team this year!<----------

Mauer will get his shot, all he needs to do is prove this season was no fluke.
And next year he might start based on the merits of this year alone if he hits above 280, his defense is actually decent.

Pudge earned his all star start with great(est) defense, and is in line for another Gold Glove this year. He is far and away the best defensive catcher. Not just in the AL, but the MLB.

So anyone that whines and cries, is a hater jackass.