With the All-Star Game just a week away, All In will take part in a time-honored tradition. Well maybe it isn’t really time honored or even a tradition, but I am going to announce my mid-season Most Valuable Players. Instead of just doing a broad American League and National League MVP, I am going to do one at each position and in each league. While there aren’t sweeping differences between the two, this look will be from the fantasy team perspective instead of the “real-life” team aspect. The primary difference between the two is that I won’t give a darn about whether or not the player’s team is winning or not. If he is contributing to your winning, he will be the award winner. So without further ado, let’s head behind the plate and get started:

American League Catcher – Victor Martinez, Cleveland Indians – .325/.387/.542, 14 HR, 63 RBI, 41 R, 0 SB

Martinez has (predictably) lapped the field here with another stellar set of numbers from behind the dish. In fact, even if he were relegated to any other position, he would be in contention for the Most Valuable Player. John Buck offered some competition for a while, and he is even tied with Martinez in home runs, but he is so outclassed everywhere else that Martinez runs away with the award. Jorge Posada’s quiet first half merits consideration and is the second-best from the Junior Circuit backstops. Posada’s rate numbers are only slightly better than Martinez’ (.332/.405/.519) and it just is not enough to make up the power differential.

National League Catcher – Russell Martin, Los Angeles Dodgers – .306/.371/.483, 9 HR, 55 RBI, 47 R, 16 SB

It was supposed to be Brian McCann by several lengths when it came to National League catchers entering 2007. But (say it with me, folks), that’s why they play the games! Martin was among the upper tier in the NL, but it turns out that it has been him by several lengths as he has left the field in his dust. Biggest factor setting him apart: the 16 stolen bases. To get that kind of speed from catcher is so valuable. Furthermore, despite a solid rookie campaign of 10 home runs and 10 stolen bases, Martin was still a bit undervalued, thus adding more value. As for McCann, he is third in the NL with 41 runs batted in, but the .733 OPS leaves plenty to be desired.

Biggest Bust - McCann

Best Value – Kenji Johjima (few catchers heralded after McCann, Martinez and Martin, but Johjima isn’t far behind in production as a much later pick/lower dollar value)

OBP-League Boost – Jason Varitek (.272 AVG/.360 OBP)

American League First Baseman – Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins – .277/.352/.545, 20 HR, 61 RBI, 50 R, 0 SB

The reigning MVP is off to a fine campaign in defense of his title. His 20 home runs are second to Alex Rodriguez for the American League lead. In OBP leagues, he is even better with the 75-point differential. Last year, Morneau had a power dip in the second half, but was significantly raised his average and on-base percentage. His .321 average from a season ago was likely an aberration, but he has legitimate 40-home run power and could top the mark this season. An extended trip to the disabled list for Mark Teixeira took him out of contention for this title. Carlos Pena has done almost as much in 82 fewer at-bats, but most teams likely did not catch onto him before missing some of the great numbers he has put up, or else he would have taken home this award.

National League First Baseman – Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers (.278/.372/.608, 27 HR, 66 RBI, 59 R, 0 SB)

No, Ryan Howard and Albert Pujols did not quit baseball; Fielder has just been better thus far. In fact, his 27 home runs are a National League-best. His average is, well… just that, average. The excellent power numbers and tremendous OBP more than make up for that fact, though. Fielder came into 2007 hoping to top his home run total from a season ago. He has just about to week to hit two home runs and do just that.

Biggest Bust – Richie Sexson (15 home runs cannot mask the .212 sinkhole at batting average. Any gains from the power have been erased three-fold by that average. Sexson owners take solace, though; he did the same thing in 2006 and rebounded with a .322/.399/.613, 18 HR, 48 RBI secomd half)

Best Value – Pena (a waiver pickup in anything but the deepest AL-Only leagues)

OBP-League Boost – Ryan Howard (his .253 average is erased in on-base leagues where he sees a 134 shift)