Major League Baseball has gone through a lot of accusations in the past year, but in the first "steroid free" season in arguably a decade, true talent is finally making it?s way into the national spotlight. Derrek Lee, former San Diego Padre and Florida Marlin first baseman, who has never hit over .300 in his nine year professional career has come out of nowhere, scorching pitchers for a .395 average with 22 home-runs and 64 RBIs (as of June 24) and now has his sights set on the first Triple Crown since 1967. From a former Marlin to a current, 22 year-old Miguel Cabrera is finally emerging has one of the game?s best young players. Cabrera began to breakout in 2004, hitting .294 with 33 home-runs, but he?s doing himself one better in this, his third season, batting nearly 50 points higher with 14 home runs still weeks from the all-star break. These two superstars have more in common than just their superb numbers, and Miami connection - they more than likely will not be starting in the 2005 All-Star Game at Comerica Park in Detroit, July 12th. Neither will Texas Rangers first baseman Mark Teixera whose .295 average and 20 home-runs is currently being outvoted and overshadowed by Tino Martinez?s meager .226 average - or Aramis Ramirez, hidden behind Derrek Lee?s numbers in Chicago and again trapped behind Scott Rolen?s lack of numbers in the all-star ballots. Ramirez?s average may not be where it was last year; nonetheless his 18 homers and .302 average certainly tops Rolen, who?s hitting .242 only five with round-trippers. It?s great that fans get a say in who starts the All-Star Game, after all that?s what our country is about, and baseball is America?s past-time, but since commissioner Bud Selig decided in 2003 to award the league that wins the "mid-summer classic" with home-field advantage in the World Series, it only makes sense that the best players should decide the fate of such a major intangible like home-field advantage, instead of washed up millionaires who have already enjoyed their years of fame and luxury. Currently, the "All-Star" starting line-up can be compared more to homecoming royalty than a showcase of the game?s top athletes. Sure Derrek Lee will play his share of innings July 12th - so will Miguel Cabrera, Mark Teixera, and Aramis Ramirez, but there is no greater honor than starting THE All-Star Game and these exceptional ball players should be recognized for their hard work by being able to do just that. The fans are giving a few emerging players their due - Brian Roberts, the AL?s best hitter is beating out Alfonzo Soriano for starting second baseman - but barely, and Bobby Abreu?s superb hitting has landed him as a starting outfielder for the NL. I guess we can all be thankful for one thing - at least Barry Bonds isn?t in the hunt.