2008 All-Stars

JETER, A-ROD TO START IN ALL-STAR GAME

By GEORGE A. KING III

Last updated: 3:17 pm
July 5, 2008
Posted: 2:57 pm
July 5, 2008

The Post has learned the identity of every All-Star Game vote winner from the AL and NL for the July 15 game at Yankee Stadium and the starting pitchers.

Major League Baseball will announce tomorrow that Derek Jeter Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez Alex Rodriguez will start for the AL club at short and third, respectively, and that there are no Mets New York Mets among the NL starters. Yankees closer Mariano Rivera will be named with the other pitchers and reserves. The plan is for Rivera to pitch the final All-Star inning in Yankee Stadium history.

For Jeter, it's his ninth All-Star Game. Jeter, the MVP of the 2000 game, has a .500 (8-for-16) All-Star average.

This will be the 12th time Rodriguez has been named to the All-Star team. He has appeared in 11 games; missing the 2000 game due to a concussion.

Jeter and Rodriguez said yesterday they weren't informed about their selections.

"That usually doesn't happen until the Sunday before," Jeter said.

"I haven't heard that," Rodriguez said.

Arizona right-hander Brandon Webb will start for the NL and Cleveland lefty Cliff Lee goes for the AL.

The defending World Champion Red Sox will start Kevin Youkilis at first, Dustin Pedroia at second and Manny Ramirez in left. David Ortiz was voted in as the DH but won't play because of a wrist injury.

Hideki Matsui would have been a candidate to replace Ortiz, but he is on the DL with a knee injury. Ortiz's likely replacement will be Texas' Milton Bradley.

Other AL starters are Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki in center, Texas' Josh Hamilton in right and Minnesota's Joe Mauer behind the plate.

The NL's infield consists of Lance Berkman at first, Philly's Chase Utley at second, Atlanta's Chipper Jones at third and Florida's Hanley Ramirez at short. Former Yankee and current Cub Alfonso Soriano starts in left, teammate Kosuke Fukudome will be in center and Cincinnati's Ken Griffey, Jr. gets the nod in right. The Cubs' Geovany Soto is the starting catcher.

Boston's Terry Francona, who brings his coaches with him, will manage the AL and Colorado's Clint Hurdle is the NL manager.

As for Mike Mussina being part of Francona's staff, Francona didn't want to be hauled into that topic yesterday before Mussina faced the Red Sox at Yankee Stadium with a 10-6 record.

"He is one of those guys getting who is getting strong consideration," said Joe Girardi, an AL coach. "He deserves to go.

Hamilton making the team is part of an amazing comeback for the MLB leader in RBIs from years of drug abuse and suspensions.

Having two starting center fielders from Japan adds a new look to the All-Star Game.

Tuesday night's introductions will have a different twist. All starters will be joined by Hall of Fame players at their positions.

For example the catchers will be introduced at home plate with Gary Carter and Yogi Berra.

AL
Starters
C Joe Mauer (MIN)
1B Kevin Youkilis (BOS)
2B Dustin Pedroa (BOS)
SS Derek Jeter (NYY)
3B Alex Rodriguez (NYY)
OF Manny Ramirez (BOS)
OF Josh Hamilton (TEX)
OF Ichiro Suzuki (SEA)
DH David Ortiz* (BOS)
P Cliff Lee (CLE)

Pitchers
Justin Duchscherer (OAK)
Roy Halladay (TOR)
Scott Kazmir (TB)
Joe Nathan (MIN)
Jonathan Papelbon (BOS)
Mariano Rivera (NYY)
Francisco Rodriguez (LAA)
Ervin Santana (LAA)
Joe Saunders (LAA)
George Sherrill (BAL)
Joakim Soria (KC)

Reserves
C Dioner Navarro (TB)
C Jason Varitek (BOS)
1B Justin Morneau (MIN)
2B Ian Kinsler (TEX)
SS Michael Young (TEX)
3B Joe Crede (CWS)
3B Carlos Guillen (DET)
3B Evan Longoria (TB)
OF J.D. Drew (BOS)
OF Carlos Quentin (CWS)
OF Grady Sizemore (CLE)
DH Milton Bradley (TEX)

NL
Starters
C Geovany Soto (CHC)
1B Lance Berkman (HOU)
2B Chase Utley (PHI)
SS Hanely Ramirez (FLA)
3B Chipper Jones (ATL)
OF Kosuke Fukudome (CHC)
OF Alfanzo Soriano* (CHC)
OF Ryan Braun (MIL)
Ben Sheets (MIL)

Pitchers
Aaron Cook (COL)
Ryan Dempster (CHC)
Dan Haren (ARI)
Brad Lidge (PHI)
Tim Lincecum (SF)
Carlos Marmol (CHC)
Edinson Volquez (CIN)
Billy Wagner (NYM)
P Brandon Webb (ARI)
Brian Wilson (SF)
Kerry Wood* (CHC)
Carlos Zambrano (CHC)

Reserves
C Russell Martin (LA)
C Brian McCann (ATL)
1B Adrian Gonzalez (SD)
1B Albert Pujols (STL)
2B Dan Uggla (FLA)
3B Aramis Ramirez (CHC)
3B David Wright (NYM)
SS Cristian Guzman (WAS)
SS Miguel Tejada (HOU)
OF Matt Holliday+ (COL)
OF Ryan Ludwick (STL)
OF Nate McLouth (PIT)
OF Corey Hart (MIL)

*Injured
+Start to replace injured
Final Vote Winners

Saturday, July 5, 2008
Baseball All-Star picks always debatable
Mike Fitzpatrick / Associated Press

NEW YORK -- So long, Yankee Stadium. Get ready for an All-Star salute featuring the rival Red Sox.

That's right. Manny Ramirez, Kevin Youkilis and Co. are set to take over "The House That Ruth Built." At last check, four Red Sox led fan voting at their positions for the July 15 game in New York -- and that doesn't even include manager Terry Francona or any of his pitchers.

Just picture it: A row of grinning Red Sox, coming off their latest championship, getting booed furiously while lining up along the first base line as America tunes in for baseball's big tribute to Yankee Stadium in its final season.

Curses! Not exactly what George Steinbrenner had in mind.

But the Yankees figure to be well-represented themselves: Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Mariano Rivera, all preening in pinstripes under the lights.

So, it's time to pick the All-Stars for this extravagant send-off in the South Bronx, where so much history already has been made.

As usual, the choices aren't easy. But the annual debate is part of the fun.

American League

As selected by AP writer Mike Fitzpatrick

First base

• Kevin Youkilis (Red Sox) edges out Jason Giambi (Yankees), thanks to splendid defense. RBI machine Justin Morneau (Twins) earns a bid.

Second base

• First-timer Ian Kinsler (Rangers) leads the league in runs scored by a wide margin and ranks near the top of several other categories. Backup -- Brian Roberts (Orioles).

Shortstop

• Derek Jeter (Yankees) is having a so-so year by his standards, but he's done more than enough throughout his career to deserve the start -- in his house. Backup -- Michael Young (Rangers).

Third base

• Despite missing three weeks (leg), Alex Rodriguez is the class of this field. Backup -- Evan Longoria (Rays).

Catcher

• Sweet-swinging Joe Mauer (Twins) easily earns the start. Backup -- Dioner Navarro (Rays). Notable -- Pudge Rodriguez (Tigers) gets his 15th selection.

Outfield

• Stocked with surprises and comeback stories. Carlos Quentin (White Sox) starts in left, Josh Hamilton (Rangers) in center and J.D. Drew (Red Sox) in right. Backups -- Manny Ramirez (Red Sox), Jermaine Dye (White Sox),B.J. Upton (Rays), Grady Sizemore (Indians).

Designated hitter

• Milton Bradley (Rangers) has tamed his temper enough to become one of baseball's best hitters.

Starting pitchers

• Cliff Lee (Indians) gets the start. Staff -- Joe Saunders and Ervin Santana (Angels), Justin Duchscherer (A's), Felix Hernandez (Mariners), Matt Halladay (Blue Jays).

Relief pitchers

• Mariano Rivera (Yankees) anchors a lights-out bullpen. Staff -- Francisco Rodriguez (Angels), Jonathan Papelbon (Red Sox), Joe Nathan (Twins), Joakim Soria (Royals) and George Sherrill (Orioles).

National League

As selected by AP writer Mike Fitzpatrick

First base

• Switch-hitter Lance Berkman (Astros) is having a huge season. He could make a run at the Triple Crown. Backups -- Adrian Gonzalez (Padres), Derrek Lee (Cubs).

Second base

• By a slim margin, Chase Utley (Philadelphia) tops Dan Uggla (Marlins) to earn the start.

Shortstop

• One of the game's most talented performers, Hanley Ramirez (Marlins) is the clear choice. Backup -- Jose Reyes (Mets).

Third base

• Chipper Jones (Braves) flirted with a .400 batting average for much of the first half. Backups -- David Wright (Mets), Aramis Ramirez (Cubs).

Catcher

• Brian McCann (Braves) gets the No. 1 spot. Backups -- Geovany Soto (Cubs), Russell Martin (Dodgers).

Outfield

• Another surprising group. Pat Burrell (Phillies) starts in left, with Nate McLouth (Pirates) in center and Ryan Ludwick (Cardinals) in right. Backups -- Matt Holliday (Rockies), Jason Bay (Pirates), Carlos Lee (Astros).

Designated hitter

• Slugger Albert Pujols (Cardinals) gives up first base to start at DH.

Starting pitchers

• Edinson Volquez (Reds) won at Yankee Stadium last month and barely beats out Tim Lincecum (Giants) for starting honors. Staff -- Brandon Webb and Dan Haren (Diamondbacks), Ben Sheets (Brewers), Aaron Cook (Rockies), Cole Hamels (Phillies), Carlos Zambrano (Cubs).

Relief pitchers

• Brad Lidge (Phillies). Staff -- Kerry Wood (Cubs), Jon Rauch (Nationals), Billy Wagner (Mets).

All-Star Game

When: 8 p.m. July 15 on FOX

Where: Yankee Stadium

Teams: The AL and NL each get 32 players, with 31 of the roster spots being announced at 6 p.m. Sunday on TBS. Five players in each league then will be placed on the final-vote ballot, with voting ending Thursday.

History: The American League has found a winning formula lately, going 10-0-1 since the National League last won in 1996 at Philadelphia's old Veterans Stadium. The Nationals, however, lead overall, 40-36-2.

Other events: Futures Game, 12:30 p.m. July 13; Legends & Celebrity softball game, 4 p.m. July 13; Home Run Derby, 8 p.m. July 14 on ESPN

Any Tigs anywhere? Pudge just gets a mention?

Looks like slim pickings!




That's OK!



Let Red Sox Nation and the Evil Empire dominate the All star Game


Rather celebrate a WS Title in October


Ain't no I in team

THESE ARE NOT GUARANTEED. THE ACTUAL ONES COME OUT SUNDAY

Let's hope Tigers get a couple Reps!

FOR SURE!

GO TIGERS

Fuck those votes, honestly.
Im thinking Jonesy shoulda got in, Thames, Polly, maybe, Grandy coulda been backing up, Maybe Miggy.

We had a great contingent last year!

All-Star rosters announced today: who will represent Detroit?
BY JON PAUL MOROSI • FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER • July 6, 2008


Last year, the Tigers had one of the largest All-Star Game delegations of any club. Jim Leyland managed the American League team and was joined by his coaching staff and five players: Magglio Ordoñez, Placido Polanco, Pudge Rodriguez, Carlos Guillen and Justin Verlander. Yet, hours before today's announcement of the 2008 All-Star rosters, it's hard to know for certain if Detroit will have more than one representative. The latest voting suggests that the starting lineup won't include any Tigers, one year after Ordoñez, Polanco and Rodriguez accounted for one-third of the initial batting order. Ordoñez might have been the most obvious choice to make the team, but he is currently on the disabled list with a pulled oblique muscle. So, if Ordoñez can't play, who would the most worthy candidates be?


Placido Polanco, Second Base
Why: It would be hard to argue against someone who plays superb defense and owns one of the top-10 batting averages in the league. He can also play third base if needed.

Marcus Thames, Outfield
Why: Why not? He has been the most compelling figure on the team this season. Thames leads the team in home runs despite having about half as many official at-bats as Miguel Cabrera. And how do you think he would do in the Home Run Derby?

Todd Jones, Relief Pitcher
Why: Forget about the ERA. He has been one of baseball's top closers, with 15 saves in 16 chances entering the weekend.

Armando Galarraga, Starting Pitcher
Why: He was an obscure pickup before the season began. Now Galarraga leads the team with seven victories, and his 3.40 ERA entering Saturday was 10th in the AL among pitchers with at least 80 innings.

All-Star info

The expected All-Star Game starters (based on fan voting, with Tigers' top vote-getter):

American League


First base
1. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox, 1,915,376

Second base
1. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox, 1,669,216
4. Placido Polanco, Tigers, 697,570


Third base
1. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees, 2,518,067
4. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers, 694,301

Shortstop
1. Derek Jeter, Yankees, 2,507,534
3. Edgar Renteria, Tigers, 692,232


Catcher
1. Joe Mauer, Twins, 1,632,338
3. Ivan Rodriguez, Tigers, 1,014,879

Designated hitter
1. David Ortiz, Red Sox, 2,482,981*
5. Gary Sheffield, Tigers, 386,856

Outfield
1. Manny Ramirez, Red Sox, 2,409,388
2. Josh Hamilton, Rangers, 2,327,467
3. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners, 1,397,460
9. Magglio Ordoñez, Tigers, 903,103

*Ortiz will miss the game with an injury; the starter will come from the reserves named by the players and manager Terry Francona.


National League

First base
1. Lance Berkman, Astros, 2,132,663


Second base
1. Chase Utley, Phillies, 2,645,027

Third base
1. Chipper Jones, Braves, 2,433,753

Shortstop
1. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins, 1,483,875

Catcher
1. Geovany Soto, Cubs, 1,827,279

Outfield
1. Alfonso Soriano, Cubs, 2,120,635
2. Ken Griffey, Jr., Reds, 1,917,739
3. Kosuke Fukudome, Cubs, 1,783,983


SELECTION SHOW AND VOTING PROCESS

MLB All-Star Selection Show: 2 p.m. today (TBS).

The roster: Each league will have a 32-man roster, and 31 of those roster spots will be announced today. The final player will be determined by a vote at MLB.com.

How the votes work: Fans elect the nine AL starters. The player ballot picks the next 17 players. That leaves Boston manager Terry Francona with five picks of his own, in addition to the five players he will select for the online vote.

Carlos Guillen was picked by Francona for reserve from Detroit.

we had a good year last year

*sigh* but our guys maybe need some boot camp in the interim

Midsummer Classic has 25 newcomers
Bumper crop of first-timers highlight new wave of All-Stars
By Barry M. Bloom / MLB.com

The fans have voted. And now so have the managers and players. This year's All-Star squads are now set to represent the National and American Leagues in the annual Midsummer Classic at Yankee Stadium on July 15. Again they offer the best and brightest of Major League Baseball's veterans and talented younger set.

From Alex Rodriguez, Chipper Jones and Lance Berkman to Chase Utley, Joe Mauer, Ryan Braun and Geovany Soto, it's the finest of the old and the new.

Rodriguez, the third baseman for the Yankees, was again the top overall vote-getter with 3,934,518. Last year, for the game in San Francisco, A-Rod also out-polled all 16 elected starters with 3,890,515 votes.

Utley, the six-year second baseman with the Phillies and a .299 hitter this season with 24 homers and 67 RBIs, paced the NL with 3,889,602 votes.

A record 214.7 million votes from 16.5 million ballots were cast online via MLB.com and the affiliate 30 club sites.

The 79th Major League Baseball All-Star Game, the last to be played in the current Yankee Stadium -- which closes at the end of this season -- will be televised nationally by FOX, with pregame ceremonies beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

It will be shown live in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and Sportsnet HD and televised around the world by Major League Baseball International.

ESPN Radio will provide exclusive national radio coverage, while MLB.com will provide extensive online coverage. XM will provide satellite radio play-by-play coverage of next Sunday's XM All-Star Futures Game.

As in recent years, the winner of the game will determine which league has home-field advantage in the World Series. The "This Time it Counts!" rule was implemented in 2003. The AL, which has won 10 games in a row (not including the 2002 tie at Milwaukee), has enjoyed that advantage every postseason since.

In the NL, the Cubs have seven players on the squad -- Soto, Alfonso Soriano, Kosuke Fukudome, Aramis Ramirez, Ryan Dempster, Kerry Wood and Carlos Zambrano. Chicago manager Lou Piniella is one of the coaches under Rockies skipper Clint Hurdle, who will lead the squad.

No other NL team has more than two players on the squad, including the defending NL champion Rockies, who have outfielder Matt Holliday and pitcher Aaron Cook on the roster. Soto, Soriano and Fukudome were all elected to the team by the fans.

The starters around the horn in the NL are Berkman of the Astros at first, making his second start and fifth appearance; Utley at second, making his third consecutive start in as many appearances; Hanley Ramirez of the Marlins at short, making his first appearance; and Jones of the Braves at third, making his fifth start and sixth appearance.

Soto, in his first full season, is behind the plate.

Soriano, making his fifth start and seventh appearance, joins teammate Fukudome, the do-everything rookie from Japan. Soriano, who is currently on the disabled list with a broken finger, has just begun taking batting practice and is doubtful for the game.

The players elected these reserves: catcher Russell Martin of the Dodgers, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez of the Padres, second baseman Dan Uggla of the Marlins, third baseman Aramis Ramirez, shortstop Miguel Tejada of the Astros, and outfielders Holliday, Nate McLouth of the Pirates and Ryan Ludwick of the Cardinals.

Hurdle selected shortstop Cristian Guzman of the Nationals, catcher Brian McCann of the Braves, first baseman Albert Pujols of the Cardinals, plus pitchers Zambrano, Dan Haren of the D-backs and Billy Wagner of the Mets.

The NL pitching staff is as follows: Zambrano and Haren are joined by fellow starters Dempster, Brandon Webb of the D-backs, Edinson Volquez of the Reds, Tim Lincecum of the Giants and Ben Sheets of the Brewers. Wagner is joined by Wood, relievers Brad Lidge of the Phillies and Brian Wilson of the Giants.

The players made all the other pitching selections.

Over in the AL, the defending World Series champion Red Sox will go into Yankee Stadium with seven players on the squad, including four starters -- Kevin Youkilis, Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez were all voted as starters by the fans and Jonathan Papelbon, Jason Varitek and J.D Drew were all added as reserves. They and the other AL All-Stars will be led by Boston manager Terry Francona.

The host Yankees have three players on the team: mainstays Rodriguez, Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera.

For the AL, these are the starters going around the diamond: Youkilis is at first base, making his first All-Star appearance; ditto for teammate Pedroia at second, Jeter is at short, making his ninth appearance; and A-Rod is at third. Mauer of the Twins is making his first start behind the plate and second appearance.

The outfield is made up of old standbys Ramirez, making his sixth start and 12th appearance, and Ichiro Suzuki of the Mariners, making his seventh start and eighth appearance since his arrival from Japan in 2001. Josh Hamilton, who is in his second season and first with Texas, is the newcomer, making his first start and first appearance.

Fans could choose an AL designated hitter for the game because it's being played this year in an AL park after a two-year run in Senior Circuit yards.

Ortiz got that nod, but he won't play because he's on the disabled list with a hand injury. He'll be replaced by Milton Bradley of the Rangers.

The players selected these reserves: Bradley, catcher Varitek and outfielder Drew, first baseman Justin Morneau of the Twins, second baseman Ian Kinsler and shortstop Michael Young of the Rangers, third baseman Joe Crede and outfielder Carlos Quentin of the White Sox and outfielder Grady Sizemore of the Indians.

Francona added infielder Carlos Guillen of the Tigers, catcher Dioner Navarro of the Rays and pitchers George Sherrill of the Orioles, Justin Duchscherer of the A's and Joe Nathan of the Twins.

The AL pitching staff is as follows: Duchscherer is joined by fellow starters Roy Halladay of the Blue Jays, Cliff Lee of the Indians, Scott Kazmir of the Rays, and Joe Saunders and Ervin Santana of the Angels. Sherrill and Nathan are joined by fellow relievers Rivera, Papelbon, Frankie Rodriguez of the Angels and Joakim Soria of the Royals.

As in the NL, the players made all the other pitching selections.

Now in its seventh year, the Monster 2008 All-Star Game Final Vote gives baseball fans around the world the opportunity to select the final player on each All-Star team. Balloting began immediately following Sunday's Major League All-Star Selection Show presented by Chevy and continues until 5 p.m. ET on Thursday, July, 10. The winners will be announced on MLB.com shortly thereafter.

Here are the Final Vote candidates for both squads:

In the NL: third baseman David Wright of the Mets and outfielders Pat Burrell of the Phillies, Corey Hart of the Brewers, Carlos Lee of the Astros and Aaron Rowand of the Giants.

In the AL: first baseman Jason Giambi of the Yankees, third baseman Evan Longoria of the Rays, second baseman Brian Roberts of the Orioles and outfielders Jose Guillen of the Royals and Jermaine Dye of the White Sox.

There are two ways for fans to vote for the 2008 All-Star Game Final Vote -- online now at MLB.com, or on-the-go from their cell phones. Fans also can text the word "VOTE" to 36197 to have the All-Star Final Vote candidates sent to their phones. To vote for a specific player, simply reply with your choice. In Canada, fans should text the word "VOTE" to 88555. Standard text messaging rates apply -- please check with your mobile carrier for details.

Like I've said, last year was our memory year.

2nd post updated with complete rosters.

07/06/2008 5:09 PM ET
Tigers' Guillen an All-Star for third time
Infielder is Detroit's only representative as a reserve
By Jason Beck / MLB.com

SEATTLE -- Carlos Guillen started out the season as Detroit's former shortstop turned first baseman, became a third baseman and even dabbled as a left fielder. He's about to become a father again with the birth of his family's first daughter any day now.

Now, he has a familiar job to do: He's an All-Star.

"I'm glad. I'm very excited," Guillen said. "It'll be a good experience."

As expected, the Tigers will have one player representing them at next week's All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium. It'll be Guillen, whose third All-Star trip in his five-year Tigers tenure will reward him for what has been a first half of adjustments in his career in the field but continued steady production at the plate.

"Great choice, well-deserved," manager Jim Leyland said. "Couldn't happen to a better guy."

Guillen became the main moving part in Detroit's retooled infield, moving to first base full-time once the Tigers acquired Edgar Renteria last fall. After little more than a month at first, though, Guillen and Miguel Cabrera were essentially swapped along the infield corners, making Guillen a third baseman for the first time since his days with the Seattle Mariners. He even picked up a couple of starts in left field in late May while manager Jim Leyland tried to find a way to put Guillen and Brandon Inge in the same lineup.

All those shifts have had no effect on Guillen's hitting. He entered play Sunday batting .292 with a team-high 21 doubles to go with eight home runs, 44 RBIs and an .821 OPS. After all of Detroit's offensive additions over the last couple of years, it's Guillen who currently serves as the fulcrum in the Tigers' talented but mercurial lineup by taking over the third spot in the order. Detroit is 24-7 when he drives in at least one run.

Guillen was selected to the roster by American League All-Star manager Terry Francona as Detroit's representative. That means no Tigers were voted onto the 31-man roster, either through fan balloting to select the starting lineup or through the players' ballot to select most of the pitchers and reserves. The results were revealed Sunday afternoon on the MLB All-Star Selection Show presented by Chevy.

Leyland said Friday that he gave Francona a list of five players he thought were deserving of consideration, a list that did not include injured slugger Magglio Ordonez, who will enter the All-Star break on the 15-day disabled list and would not have been available to play.

"I know he's always been a big admirer of Carlos," Leyland said of Francona. "I also think the versatility was a big factor."

Indeed, Guillen joked that he could bring at least four different gloves to the Midsummer Classic -- none of them his own. He still has a shortstop's glove from Miguel Tejada and a first baseman's glove from ex-teammate Sean Casey, but his new roles this year have forced him to borrow a third baseman's glove from Miguel Cabrera and an outfielder's glove from Gary Sheffield.

"I don't like breaking in gloves," Guillen joked. "I don't think I have time."

Given the birth of his daughter, he isn't going to have much time to relax at all over the next week and a half. Wife Amelia is back in Detroit set to give birth to Camelia Jose Guillen sometime in the next couple of days. He'll miss some time for that but will be back soon after.

The All-Star commitment will be a challenge. He hopes to bring his two sons, Alfonso and Isaac, to the festivities with him, but that could be it for his family.

"I would like to bring them, because it's going to be the last All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium," Guillen said. "I don't know about the baby, because she's only going to be about a week old."

The Tigers have had at least one All-Star starter in three of the previous four seasons, mainly thanks to catcher Ivan Rodriguez's run on the club. That changed this year, as Rodriguez was left off the All-Star roster for the first time in his five seasons with the Tigers and just the third time since 2002.

Detroit will, however, have one more representative. Guillen again will be paired with Leyland, who joins Francona's All-Star coaching staff at Francona's invitation.

Guillen's trip to Yankee Stadium will continue the success story he has put together since the Tigers acquired him from Seattle in a trade prior to the 2004 season. He's batting .310 in five seasons with the Tigers with 73 home runs, 351 RBIs and 54 stolen bases.

His Detroit tenure also included trips to the Midsummer Classic in 2004 and 2007, both times as a reserve shortstop. He didn't play in the 2004 game, but went 0-for-2 last year coming off AL All-Star manager Leyland's bench.

The 79th Major League Baseball All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and Sportsnet HD and televised around the world by Major League Baseball International, with pregame ceremonies beginning at 8 p.m. ET. ESPN Radio will provide exclusive national radio coverage, while MLB.com will provide extensive online coverage. XM will provide satellite radio play-by-play coverage of the XM All-Star Futures Game.

Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Will Guillen even play?


Or will he ride the bench the whole game

gs78 wrote:

Will Guillen even play?


Or will he ride the bench the whole game

With his batting skills, I would guess he will get at least a turn at bat.

Varitek made the team!!! Sure, he has the lowest batting average among ML catchers (.219) but that's what the game is all about

Worse yet, the players voted for him

Bullshit

This was fixed from the getgo!

May as well let the fans vote. What difference does it make!


Red Sox Nation always gets what it wants!

Except a 2008 WS Title!


Tigers taking it

MLB announces fourth group of Hall of Famers to be honored at historic All-Star Game ceremony
Ford, Kaline, Molitor, Palmer, Perez, Perry, Sutton, Billy Williams and Dick Williams to be recognized; Fox to air All-Star Game Red Carpet Parade presented by Chevy & pre-game ceremony live prior to All-Star Game

Major League Baseball today announced a fourth partial list of the Hall of Famers who will be honored during a special pre-game on-field ceremony prior to the 79th MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 15th that will feature the largest gathering of baseball stars in history. Additional participants will be announced exclusively each week on the FOX SATURDAY BASEBALL GAME OF THE WEEK.

Whitey Ford, Al Kaline, Paul Molitor, Jim Palmer, Tony Perez, Gaylord Perry, Don Sutton, Billy Williams and Dick Williams are among the more than 40 Hall of Famers who will be honored on the field prior to the game as a gesture to the majesty and history of Yankee Stadium during its last year. The pre-game ceremony will begin at 8:00 p.m. (EDT) and will air live on FOX.

The 29 Hall of Famers to be honored who were previously announced include Luis Aparicio, Ernie Banks, Yogi Berra, Wade Boggs, George Brett, Lou Brock, Gary Carter, Orlando Cepeda, Bob Feller, Rollie Fingers, Bob Gibson, Goose Gossage, Tony Gwynn, Ferguson Jenkins, Harmon Killebrew, Ralph Kiner, Tommy Lasorda, Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Eddie Murray, Phil Niekro, Robin Roberts, Brooks Robinson, Frank Robinson, Mike Schmidt, Bruce Sutter, Earl Weaver, Dave Winfield and Robin Yount.

The Hall of Famers will also participate in the All-Star Game Red Carpet Parade presented by Chevy, where they will join the American League and National League All-Stars in a parade up Sixth Avenue from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (EDT) on the day of the game.

"Usually, All-Star games help celebrate new ballparks, not ones going away," said Ford, a 1974 inductee and the winningest pitcher in New York Yankees history. "I can understand why this is the exception - so much of baseball's history has happened there. And it's still a beautiful ballpark. Still gives me chills like the first time I wore a uniform there, or the first time I went as a fan."

The Red Carpet, which will span more than 95,000 square feet, will begin at 40th Street and extend up Sixth Avenue to 58th Street. MLB mascots will be on the Red Carpet, distributing gifts to fans along the parade route.

FOX will televise the All-Star Game Red Carpet Parade presented by Chevy at 7:00 p.m. (EDT) as a lead-in to the network telecast of the 79th MLB All-Star Game at 8:00 p.m. (EDT).

The 79th Major League Baseball All-Star Game being held at Yankee Stadium in its final season, will be televised nationally by FOX Sports, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and Sportsnet HD and televised around the world by Major League Baseball International, with pregame ceremonies beginning at 8:00 p.m. (EDT). ESPN Radio will provide exclusive national radio coverage that will also be available on XM Satellite Radio, while MLB.com will provide extensive online coverage.

BIOS
WHITEY FORD
The 1961 AL Cy Young Award winner and World Series MVP was a member of six World Series Championship teams during a 16-year career with the New York Yankees, compiling a 236-106 (.690) record, 1,956 strikeouts and 45 shutouts. The southpaw was selected to eight All-Star teams and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1974.

AL KALINE
He won the AL batting title in 1955 at the age of 20, hitting .340, and amassed 3,007 hits, 399 home runs and 10 Gold Glove awards as an outfielder during a 22-year career spent entirely with the Detroit Tigers. He was chosen to the All-Star team 15 times and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.

PAUL MOLITOR
The infielder was voted MVP of the 1993 World Series while a member of the champion Toronto Blue Jays and had 3,319 hits in a 21-year career that began with the Milwaukee Brewers and ended with the Minnesota Twins. The seven-time All-Star had 39-game hitting streak in 1987, when he posted a career-high .353 batting average, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.

JIM PALMER
The right-hander was a three-time Cy Young Award recipient (1973, 1975 and 1976) and eight-time 20-game winner who compiled a 268-152 record and 2.86 ERA in a 19-year career, all with the Baltimore Orioles. He was a member of three World Series Championship teams (1966, 1970 and 1983) and a six-time All-Star before being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990.

TONY PEREZ
A key component of the Cincinnati Reds' "Big Red Machine" World Series champions in 1975-1976, he totaled 379 home runs and 1,652 RBI while playing first base and third base during a 23-year career that included later stops with the Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies. He was a seven-time All-Star and MVP of the 1967 classic, earning his induction into the Hall of Fame in 2000.

GAYLORD PERRY
He was the first pitcher to win Cy Young Awards in both leagues, earning the honor with the Cleveland Indians in 1972 and the San Diego Padres in 1978, and posted 314 victories in a 22-year career that also included tenures with the San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners and Kansas City Royals. A five-time All-Star and winning pitcher in the 1966 game, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991.

DON SUTTON
He compiled a 324-256 record with 3,574 strikeouts and never missed a start in a 23-year career spent with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics and California Angels. A four-time NL All-Star who earned MVP honors in the 1977 contest, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998.

BILLY WILLIAMS
The NL Rookie of the Year in 1961 and batting champion in 1972, this outfielder collected 2,711 hits, 426 home runs and 1,475 RBI in an 18-year career with the Chicago Cubs and Oakland Athletics. A six-time All-Star who once held the NL record with 1,117 consecutive games played, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.

DICK WILLIAMS
He followed his 13-year playing career by managing for 21 seasons with the Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics, California Angels, Montreal Expos, San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners, guiding Oakland to back-to-back World Series Championships in 1972 and 1973 and posted a 1,571-1,451 (.520) record. He managed in four All-Star Games and will become the 18th manager inducted into the Hall of Fame later this month.

At least MR. TIGER will be there!!

.....and Leyland.

2nd post updated to include Longoria and Hart.

Holliday to start in All-Star Game
Rockies slugger to play right field in place of injured Soriano
By Adam McCalvy and Dave Fultz / MLB.com

MILWAUKEE -- The Rockies' Matt Holliday will start in right field for the National League in Tuesday's All-Star Game, Colorado manager Clint Hurdle, the skipper of the NL squad, said on Thursday.

Holliday will take the place of the Cubs' Alfonso Soriano, who was elected to the starting lineup but cannot play because of a left hand injury he sustained when struck by a pitch on June 11.

"It's exciting," Holliday said. "I thought I might have a chance [to start] because Soriano might not have been able to play, so it's pretty cool, pretty exciting."

Hurdle said an MLB official told him that the league's Basic Agreement with the Players' Association stipulates that when an elected starter cannot play, the non-starting player at the same position who received the most votes on the player ballot gets the spot.

Hurdle was happy he didn't have to make the decision himself.

"To have Matt get in, I think it was meant to be that way," Hurdle said. "It's a clean transition, a seamless transition."

Holliday said it was nice knowing that he gets the chance to start because his peers made him the top vote-getter on the players' ballot among NL reserve outfielders.

"It's a nice feeling," Holliday said. "Your peers are important, those are the people you compete against and compete with. It's important and it means a lot to every player what the other guys think of you."

The veteran has played very few games at Yankee Stadium in his career and reiterated how nice it would be to man right field -- where so many greats have played -- for the last All-Star Game at Yankee Stadium.

"It'll be neat to play right field in Yankee Stadium," Holldiay said. "And to do it in an All-Star Game will be pretty cool."

Holliday, the National League MVP runner-up last season, has played in the past two All-Star Games, both times as a reserve before appearing in right field, and has gone 0-for-5 with a strikeout.

There's a strong chance he will see significant playing time in the Midsummer Classic.

"Priority 1 is to win the game," Hurdle said "I've been telling the guys that it's not going to be like Spring Training, where you put in the 'second line' in the fifth inning. We're going to play the game appropriately, and if I can, I'm going to get in as many guys as it works."

The Brewers' Ryan Braun will start in left field and the Cubs' Kosuke Fukudome will open the game in center field, Hurdle said.

"Fukudome has played a lot more center field than people give him credit for," Hurdle said.

Hurdle will also need to name a replacement for Soriano on the team, and he said he will do that after the results of the Monster 2008 All-Star Final Vote are known Thursday night. He said the choice wouldn't necessarily be the runner-up.

The decision could come as early as Friday, according to Hurdle.

"It's not going to be easy," Hurdle said. "When you pick your All-Star team, there's a whole other All-Star team who was left off the list. That's the reality of it and that's how it will always be."