2008 All-Star team Announced

The all-star team was named yesterday.  Here are the complete American League and National League rosters:  

American League Starters                                           National League Starters 

C   Joe Mauer  Twins                                                          C  Geovany Soto  Cubs

1B  Kevin Youkilis  Red Sox                                              1B  Lance Berkman  Astros

2B  Dustin Pedroia  Red Sox                                             2B  Chase Utley  Phillies

SS  Derek Jeter  Yankees                                                   SS  Hanley Ramirez  Marlins

3B  Alex Rodriguez  Yankees                                            3B  Chipper Jones  Braves

OF  Ichiro Suzki  Mariners                                               OF  Alfonso Soriano  Cubs

OF  Josh Hamilton  Rangers                                            OF  Kosuke Fukudome  Cubs

OF  Manny Ramirez  Red Sox                                           OF  Ryan Braun  Brewers

DH  David Ortiz  Red Sox                                                  DH- Manager Clint Hurdle will select                                                                                                        one before the game.  Probably Albert                                                                                                      Pujols.

American League Reserves                             National League Reserves

C- Dioner Navvaro (Rays), Jason                         C- Brian McCann (Braves), Russell Martin 

Varitek (Red Sox)                                                    (Dodgers)

1B- Justin Morneau (Twins)                                 1B- Albert Pujols (Cardinals), Adrian Gonzalez

2B- Ian Kinsler (Rangers)                                      (Padres)

3B- Carlos Guillen (Tigers),                                 2B- Dan Uggla (Marlins)

Joe Crede (White Sox)                                          3B- Aramis Ramirez (Cubs)

OF- J.D. Drew (Red Sox),                                     OF- Nate McLouth (Pirates), Ryan Ludwig 

Carlos Quentin (White Sox),                               (Cardinals), Matt Holliday (Rockies)

Grady Sizemore (Indians)

DH- Milton Bradley (Rangers)

American League Pitchers                           National League Pitchers

Justin Duchsherer (A's)                                      Aaron Cook (Rockies)

Roy Halladay (Blue Jays)                                   Tim Lincecum (Giants)

Scott Kazmir (Rays)                                            Dan Haren (D'backs)

Cliff Lee (Indians)                                               Ben Sheets (Brewers)

Joe Nathan (Twins)                                            Carlos Zambrano (Cubs)

Jonathan Papelbon (Red Sox)                          Brandon Webb (D'backs)

Mariano Rivera (Yankees)                                Ryan Dempster (Cubs)                    

Francisco Rodriguez (Angels)                          Brian Wilson (Giants)

Ervin Santana (Angels)                                     Edinson Volquez (Reds)

Joe Saunders (Angels)                                      Kerry Wood (Cubs)

George Sherrill (Orioles)                                 Brad Lidge (Phillies)

Joakim Soria (Royals)                                      Billy Wagner (Mets)

So, there are your 2008 MLB all-stars.  A couple things I want to talk about; first, why is Jason Varitek on the American League team.  I know he was voted in by his fellow players but why?  He is batting a low .218 this season with only seven homers and 27 RBIs.  He should not be on the team.  I know he has been a top catcher for years and captain of the Red Sox, but if a guy is having a off year, leave him off the list.  Seven Red Sox and seven Cubs were named to the team.  The injured David Ortiz was picked as a starter; Milton Bradley will take his place.  

The Phillies are represented by Chase Utley and closer Brad Lidge.  I also think Pat Burrell should have made the team.  Burrell is batting .279 with 21 homers and 53 RBIs.  Burrell is eligible for that last all-star spot.  I think he should have made the team outright however.  If you want to for Burrell or any of the other players competing for that las spot, scroll downto the bottom of the screen and vote now.  

Speaking of all-star weekend, guess who's representing Philly in the home run derby.  No it's not Ryan Howard.  Chase Utley will compete for the home run crown.  Utley currently leads the majors with 24 dingers.  Lance Berkman, Dan Uggla, Josh Hamilton, and others will compete with Utley in the home run derby.