MLB All-Star Game: Home Game: Cards' Pujols leads All-Star voting

NEW YORK - Albert Pujols will be in a familiar spot when St. Louis hosts the 80th All-Star game. Boston knuckleballer Tim Wakefield is headed for a brand new situation.

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 RBIs. 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, one of a major league-high six Red Sox headed to Busch Stadium for the July 14 game. The 42-year-old 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.

While Pedroia rallied to get the start, Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis was caught by Yankees slugger Mark Teixeira in the final voting. Youkilis made the team, anyway, along with Boston ace Josh Beckett and closer Jonathan Papelbon.

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.

New York ace Johan Santana and closer Francisco Rodriguez were selected by the players.

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.

Molina, who turns 27 on July 13 and is the youngest of three brothers playing catcher in the majors, becomes the first of his siblings to make the All-Star game.

"It's special for me, for my family, for the people of Puerto Rico," he said. "It's a small country, and it's special for them, too."

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.

"I don't feel I personally deserve to go but at the same time the fans voted me in so I'm more than happy about that," he said. "It's a real honor for me to go for a second time around."

Jeter was the leading vote-getter in the AL and will make his 10th appearance and sixth start in the Midsummer Classic.

"It's kind of hard to believe," he said. "It makes you feel good."

Jeter and the AL beat the National League 4-3 in 15 innings at Yankee Stadium last season to improve to 11-0-1 since the NL last won in 1996 at Philadelphia's old Veterans Stadium, the longest unbeaten streak in the game's history.

Once again, the league that wins the All-Star game will get home-field advantage in the World Series.

As usual, there were a few snubs to go along with a couple of missing players used to playing in baseball's showcase game.

Houston first baseman Lance Berkman, Milwaukee right-hander Yovani Gallardo and Washington slugger Adam Dunn were left off the NL squad. Detroit first baseman Miguel Cabrera, Texas righty Kevin Millwood and Angels starter Jered Weaver failed to make it in the AL.

Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez and Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, both 12-time All-Stars, weren't expected to make the rosters, but their absence was compelling nonetheless.

Ramirez was suspended for the first 50 games of the season for violating MLB's drug policy and A-Rod missed time following hip surgery after admitting in spring training to using steroids when he played for the Rangers.

There is still one spot to be determined on each 33-man roster, which was increased by one from last year.

The AL candidates for the last spot in Internet voting: Kinsler, Toronto designated hitter Adam Lind, third basemen Chone Figgins of the Angels and Brandon Inge of Detroit, and Rays first baseman Carlos Pena.

The NL candidates: Arizona third baseman Mark Reynolds, outfielders Matt Kemp of the Dodgers and Shane Victorino of the Phillies, Giants infielder Pablo Sandoval and Nationals shortstop Cristian Guzman.

All-Star Game Rosters 

American League 

PITCHERS - m-Andrew Bailey, Oakland; m-Mark Buerhle, Chicago White Sox; p-Josh Beckett, Boston; m-Brian Fuentes, L.A. Angels; p-Zack Greinke, Kansas City; p-Roy Halladay, Toronto; m-Felix Hernandez, Seattle; p-Edwin Jackson, Detroit; p-Joe Nathan, Minnesota; p-Jonathan Papelbon, Boston; p-Mariano Rivera, N.Y. Yankees; p-Justin Verlander, Detroit; m-Tim Wakefield, Boston.

CATCHER - p-Victor Martinez, Cleveland; s-Joe Mauer, Minnesota.

INFIELDERS - p-Jason Bartlett, Tampa Bay; p-Aaron Hill, Toronto; s-Derek Jeter, N.Y. Yankees; s-Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay; p-Justin Morneau, Minnesota; s-Dustin Pedroia, Boston; s-Mark Teixeira, N.Y. Yankees; m-Kevin Youkilis, Boston; p-Michael Young, Texas; m-Ben Zobrist, Tampa Bay.

OUTFIELDERS - s-Jason Bay, Boston; p-Carl Crawford, Tampa Bay; p-Curtis Granderson, Detroit; s-Josh Hamilton, Texas; p-Torii Hunter, LA Angels; m-Adam Jones, Baltimore; s-Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle.

FINAL MAN (one selected by Internet voting) - Adam Lind, Toronto; Ian Kinsler, Texas; Chone Figgins, L.A. Angels; Carlos Pena, Tampa Bay; Brandon Inge, Detroit.

PITCHERS - p-Heath Bell, San Diego; p-Chad Billingsley, L.A. Dodgers; p-Jonathan Broxton, L.A. Dodgers; p-Matt Cain, San Francisco; m-Francisco Cordero, Cincinnati; m-Ryan Franklin, St. Louis; m-Dan Haren, Arizona; p-Josh Johnson, Florida; m-Ted Lilly, Chicago Cubs; m-Jason Marquis, Colorado; p-Tim Lincecum, San Francisco; p-Francisco Rodriguez, N.Y. Mets; p-Johan Santana, N.Y. Mets.

CATCHERS - p-Brian McCann, Atlanta; s-Yadier Molina, St. Louis.

INFIELDERS - m-Prince Fielder, Milwaukee; p-Adrian Gonzalez, San Diego; m-Ryan Howard, Philadelphia; p-Orlando Hudson, L.A. Dodgers; s-Albert Pujols, St. Louis; s-Hanley Ramirez, Florida; m-Freddy Sanchez, Pittsburgh; p-Miguel Tejada, Houston; s-Chase Utley, Philadelphia; s-David Wright, N.Y. Mets; p-Ryan Zimmerman, Washington.

OUTFIELDERS - s-Carlos Beltran, N.Y. Mets; s-Ryan Braun, Milwaukee; p-Brad Hawpe, Colorado; s-Raul Ibanez, Philadelphia; p-Hunter Pence, Houston; p-Justin Upton, Arizona.

FINAL MAN (one selected by Internet voting) - Mark Reynolds, Arizona; Matt Kemp, L.A. Dodgers; Shane Victorino, Philadelphia; Pablo Sandoval, San Francisco; Cristian Guzman, Washington.

Final All-Star Voting

American League

First Baseman 

1. Mark Teixeira, Yankees, 3,309,050

2. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox, 3,069,906

3. Justin Morneau, Twins, 2,186,567

4. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers, 1,447,125

5. Chris Davis, Rangers, 1,145,037

6. Carlos Pena, Rays, 1,083,447

7. Russell Branyan, Mariners, 586,020

8. Lyle Overbay, Blue Jays, 473,248

1. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox, 3,404,384

2. Ian Kinsler, Rangers, 3,331,298

3. Robinson Cano, Yankees, 2,115,056

4. Aaron Hill, Blue Jays, 1,233,710

5. Placido Polanco, Tigers, 1,032,428

6. Brian Roberts, Orioles, 779,159

7. Asdrubal Cabrera, Indians, 511,542

8. Akinori Iwamura, Rays, 474,552

1. Derek Jeter, Yankees, 4,851,889

2. Jason Bartlett, Rays, 2,098,422

3. Elvis Andrus, Rangers, 1,586,224

4. Marco Scutaro, Blue Jays, 1,064,344

5. Jed Lowrie, Red Sox, 933,876

6. Adam Everett, Tigers, 603,488

7. Alexei Ramirez, White Sox, 602,329

8. Nick Punto, Twins, 566,629

1. Evan Longoria, Rays, 4,315,210

2. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees, 2,350,496

3. Mike Lowell, Red Sox, 1,759,195

4. Michael Young, Rangers, 1,741,982

5. Brandon Inge, Tigers, 891,112

6. Scott Rolen, Blue Jays, 850,033

7. Joe Crede, Twins, 646,915

8. Chone Figgins, Angels, 542,797

1. Jason Bay, Red Sox, 4,087,450

2. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners, 2,846,069

3. Josh Hamilton, Rangers, 2,412,359

4. Torii Hunter, Angels, 2,363,481

5. Carl Crawford, Rays, 2,253,397

6. Jacoby Ellsbury, Red Sox, 2,250,799

7. Johnny Damon, Yankees, 2,012,368

8. J.D. Drew, Red Sox, 1,735,703

9. Nelson Cruz, Rangers, 1,715,709

10. Ken Griffey, Jr., Mariners, 1,669,135

11. Adam Jones, Orioles, 1,247,826

12. David Murphy, Rangers, 1,101,818

13. B.J. Upton, Rays, 1,080,662

14. Curtis Granderson, Tigers, 1,068,626

15. Nick Markakis, Orioles, 1,049,331

16. Brett Gardner, Yankees, 1,033,1031

17. Bobby Abreu, Angels, 1,024,786

18. Vladimir Guerrero, Angels, 916,404

19. Grady Sizemore, Indians, 908,434

20. Magglio Ordonez, Tigers, 745,379

21. Michael Cuddyer, Twins, 717,940

22. Matt Holliday, Athletics, 689,018

23. Pat Burrell, Rays, 678,426

24. Jermaine Dye, White Sox, 656,536

1. Joe Mauer, Twins, 4,335,739

2. Jason Varitek, Red Sox, 2,225,630

3. Jorge Posada, Yankees, 1,916,436

4. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Rangers, 1,497,588

5. Victor Martinez, Indians, 1,087,761

6. Dioner Navarro, Rays, 569,785

7. Rod Barajas, Blue Jays, 545,735

8. Gerald Laird, Tigers, 527,388

National League

First Baseman

1. Albert Pujols, Cardinals, 5,397,734

2. Prince Fielder, Brewers, 2,118,947

3. Ryan Howard, Phillies, 2,059,760

4. Adrian Gonzalez, Padres, 1,504,979

5. Lance Berkman, Astros, 922,870

6. James Loney, Dodgers, 622,482

7. Carlos Delgado, Mets, 567,956

8. Derrek Lee, Cubs, 542,371

1. Chase Utley, Phillies, 5,027,029

2. Orlando Hudson, Dodgers, 1,703,710

3. Rickie Weeks, Brewers, 1,355,204

4. Skip Schumaker, Cardinals, 1,191,954

5. Dan Uggla, Marlins, 893,916

6. Luis Castillo, Mets, 729,780

7. David Eckstein, Padres, 727,585

8. Kazuo Matsui, Astros, 658,523

1. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins, 3,218,917

2. Jimmy Rollins, Phillies, 2,246,792

3. J.J. Hardy, Brewers, 1,857,288

4. Miguel Tejada, Astros, 1,415,539

5. Jose Reyes, Mets, 1,114,295

6. Khalil Greene, Cardinals, 819,412

7. Rafael Furcal, Dodgers, 811,340

8. Ryan Theriot, Cubs, 718,058

1. David Wright, Mets, 3,100,863

2. Chipper Jones, Braves, 2,035,936

3. Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals, 1,681,239

4. Bill Hall, Brewers, 1,403,589

5. Pedro Feliz, Phillies, 1,380,058

6. Casey Blake, Dodgers, 972,763

7. Aramis Ramirez, Cubs, 878,993

8. Pablo Sandoval, Giants, 758,334

1. Ryan Braun, Brewers, 4,138,559

2. Raul Ibanez, Phillies, 4,053,355

3. Carlos Beltran, Mets, 2,812,295

4. Alfonso Soriano, Cubs, 2,692,994

5. Shane Victorino, Phillies, 2,123,079

6. Mike Cameron, Brewers, 2,018,879

7. Manny Ramirez, Dodgers, 1,739,736

8. Corey Hart, Brewers, 1,683,452

9. Rick Ankiel, Cardinals, 1,632,113

10. Jayson Werth, Phillies, 1,542,347

11. Ryan Ludwick, Cardinals, 1,427,898

12. Justin Upton, Diamondbacks, 1,282,501

13. Adam Dunn, Nationals, 1,220,758

14. Matt Kemp, Dodgers, 1,145,428

15. Andre Ethier, Dodgers, 1,133,863

16. Carlos Lee, Astros, 989,889

17. Chris Duncan, Cardinals, 886,223

18. Brad Hawpe, Rockies, 868,980

19. Hunter Pence, Astros, 857,223

20. Kosuke Fukudome, Cubs, 828,796

21. Nate McLouth, Pirates/Braves, 777,613

22. Garret Anderson, Braves, 723,537

23. Milton Bradley, Cubs, 695,729

24. Jeff Francoeur, Braves, 635,818

1. Yadier Molina, Cardinals, 2,641,467

2. Brian McCann, Braves, 2,375,808

3. Ivan Rodriguez, Astros, 1,810,308

4. Jason Kendall, Brewers, 1,752,062

5. Bengie Molina, Giants, 1,729,471

6. Carlos Ruiz, Phillies, 1,417,906

7. Russell Martin, Dodgers, 1,172,618

8. Geovany Soto, Cubs, 756,900