AL roster bulges with 6 Red Sox
NEW YORK — Red Sox manager Terry Francona had a little fun with Tim Wakefield after the 42-year-old knuckleballer made his first All-Star team.
The rest of Boston's major league-high six All-Stars were leaving Francona's office when the manager called for Wakefield. He tried to tell him he didn't make it, but quickly started to laugh.
"He's meant so much not only to the Red Sox but to the rest of baseball," Francona said. "He's going to be introduced in St. Louis next week and he's going to be one of the prouder guys."
Pittsburgh's Freddy Sanchez was named as a reserve on the National League roster. Sanchez, who was a reserve in 2006 and 2007, is the first Pirates player to be a three-time All-Star since Jason Kendall. It will be Sanchez's third All-Star appearance in four years and he is the only player in history to play second base, third base and shortstop in an All-Star game.
"It's a real honor to represent the Pirates," Sanchez said.
Albert Pujols undoubtedly will be very proud too when he welcomes the rest of baseball's top players to Busch Stadium for the 80th All-Star game on July 14.
Pujols was the leading vote-getter in balloting for the Midsummer Classic announced Sunday by Major League Baseball, giving the Cardinals first baseman the start in his home ballpark.
"It feels great to be there and represent the organization and the city you play in," Pujols said.
The NL MVP is well on his way to another amazing year, leading the majors with 31 homers and 82 RBI. He collected 5,397,374 votes to finish with the second-highest total in major league history, trailing only Ken Griffey Jr.'s six million votes in 1994.
"I think that's just a recognition around the country that he's had a phenomenal first half on top of a phenomenal career," St. Louis manager Tony La Russa said. "I'm sure our fans supported him, but he's been incredible and it's well-deserved."
Wakefield made his first All-Star roster in his 17th season. The right-hander is tied for the big league lead with 10 wins.
Wakefield got a standing ovation when Boston's All-Stars were announced at Fenway Park, and acknowledged the cheering crowd with a wave.
"I have a lot of emotions running through right now," he said after Boston's 8-4 victory over Seattle. "It's a pretty proud moment for me and my family."
Teammate Dustin Pedroia, the reigning AL MVP, passed Texas' Ian Kinsler in a close vote at second base and left fielder Jason Bay also won a spot in the lineup.
The injury-riddled Mets lead the NL with four selections. Center fielder Carlos Beltran and third baseman David Wright were elected by the fans, but Beltran has been out with a bruised right knee and likely won't play.
Starting for the NL: Pujols at first, Philadelphia second baseman Chase Utley, Florida shortstop Hanley Ramirez, Wright at third, Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina and Beltran, Milwaukee's Ryan Braun and Philadelphia's Raul Ibanez in the outfield. Ibanez has been sidelined by a groin injury and could sit out.
The AL starting lineup: Teixeira at first, Pedroia at second, Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria, outfielders Bay, Josh Hamilton of Texas and Ichiro Suzuki of Seattle, and Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer.
Hamilton held onto his starting spot despite being on the disabled list for much of the first half with an abdominal injury.
