The San Francisco Giants have not only taken over first place in the National League West as baseball gets ready to head into the second half of the season, but the team will be very well-represented in the 2012 All Star Game in Kansas City.

Catcher Buster Posey, outfielder Melky Cabrera and 3rd baseman Pablo Sandoval were all named starters, getting a huge late surge of fan votes. Matt Cain was also named to the pithing staff.

While all three are deserving (although Sandoval is a bit questionable after missing so much time with injury), it also calls into question the “baseball IQ” of the fans voting as players such as Brandon Belt, Freddy Sanchez (who hasn’t played this year) and Brandon Crawford all were in the top four of fan voting at their respective positions. Passionate fans – yes, baseball savvy – maybe not so much. But it’s great to have fans that are so passionate about their team and players, even through pretty down years.

The New York Yankees and Texas Rangers also had three starters each selected for the game, which will be played on Monday, July 10.

Photo Credit: X Wad, via Wikimedia Commons

• Tag: All Star Game, Buster Posey, Fan Vote, Matt Cain, Melky Cabrera, Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco Giants