Major struggles

The early weeks of a Major League Baseball season are full of flops — good players off to bad starts. Deputy Sports Editor Mike Hiserman has put together All-Star teams of them:

(Statistics through Friday’s games)

American League

Catcher: Russell Martin, New York Yankees

Hitting .172 with two HRs, six RBIs.

First base: Albert Pujols, Angels

Hitting .194 with as many HRs (or less) as you.

Second base: Robinson Cano, New York Yankees

Hitting .255 with one HR, four RBIs.

Third base: Mark Reynolds, Baltimore

Hitting .157 with 32 strikeouts in 70 at bats.

Shortstop: Erick Aybar, Angels

Hitting .211 after signing four-year extension.

Left field: Vernon Wells, Angels

After last year, is .220 a “slow” start?

Center field: Peter Bourjos, Angels

.180 average prompted team to go Trout fishing.

Right field: Jose Bautista, Toronto

Has five HRs but hitting only .177.

Designated hitter: Justin Morneau, Minnesota

.230 average about par for team.

Starting pitchers:

Ervin Santana, Angels

First six-game loser; given up 11 HRs.

Ubaldo Jimenez, Cleveland

30 hits, 20 BB/14 Ks in 282/3 IP.

Francisco Liriano, Minnesota

32 hits, 16 BB in 212/3 IP, 9.97 ERA.

Closer:

Sergio Santos, Toronto

Loss, two blown saves in six games, then DL.

National League

Catcher: Rod Barajas, Pittsburgh

16 HRs last year; .140, no HRs, no RBIs this year.

First base: Gaby Sanchez, Miami

Hitting .190 with one HR, eight RBIs.

Second base: Rickie Weeks, Milwaukee

Hitting .177 with 30 Ks in 96 at bats.

Third base: Aramis Ramirez, Milwaukee

He’s no Prince; hitting .204.

Shortstop: Jimmy Rollins, Philadelphia

Hitting .229, no HRs, five RBIs.

Left field: Jason Bay, New York Mets

Injured again; 21 HRs in 233 games with Mets.

Center field: Drew Stubbs, Cincinnati

Hitting .242, two HRs, four steals.

Right field: Justin Upton, Arizona

Hitting .232 with 24 Ks in 82 at bats.

Starting pitchers:

Adam Wainwright, St. Louis

6.75 ERA; given up seven HRs in 262/3 IP.

Mat Latos, Cincinnati

Prized acquisition has 1-2 record with 5.97 ERA.

Tim Lincecum, San Francisco

Two-time Cy Young Award winner has 5.68 ERA.

Closer:

Heath Bell, Miami

0-3 record; 4 blown saves, 13 hits, eight BBs in 72/3 IP.