2008 All Star Game Starters Leaked By New York Post?

Here's The Report from The Associated Press:

"Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez will highlight an American League All-Star team loaded with Yankees and Red Sox, according to a report on the New York Post’s Web site.

Balloting for the All-Star game ended Wednesday and the official results will be announced Sunday. All starters mentioned in the report led in fan voting as of June 30.

The Yankees’ Rodriguez will start at third base and Derek Jeter at shortstop for the American League, according to the Post. Defending champion Boston’s starters will include Kevin Youkilis at first, Dustin Pedroia at second and Manny Ramirez in left field.

Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz also got the most votes at his position, but won’t play because of a wrist injury.


Cliff Lee, who had to fight for a job in Cleveland’s rotation this spring, will be the starting pitcher for the AL, the Post reported. Lee is 11-1 with a 2.26 ERA.

He’ll go against Arizona’s Brandon Webb, who will be playing in his third consecutive All-Star game and getting his first starting assignment.

Also starting for the American League: Seattle’s Ichiro Suzuki in center, Texas’ Josh Hamilton in right and Minnesota’s Joe Mauer behind the plate.

Suzuki was barely leading the Angels’ Vladimir Guerrero and Yankees’ Bobby Abreu for the final outfield spot in the voting as of June 30.

Houston’s Lance Berkman will start at first for the National League. Philadelphia’s Chase Utley got the nod at second, Atlanta’s Chipper Jones will play third and Florida’s Hanley Ramirez narrowly beat out Miguel Tejada of the Astros at shortstop.

The outfield will consist of Alfonso Soriano of the Cubs in left, teammate Kosuke Fukudome in center and Cincinnati’s Ken Griffey Jr. in right. The Cubs’ Geovany Soto will be the starting catcher.

Boston’s Terry Francona will manage the AL and Colorado’s Clint Hurdle the NL. Each manager chooses his pitching staffs and reserves."

My Take:
Overall good choices by the fans. Josh Hamilton gets to start in the All Star Game, and he deserves it. There will be a lot of Cubbie Blue at Yankee Stadium, as Alfonso Soriano, Kosuke Fukudome, and Geovanny Soto will all start for the National League. Soto will become the first National League rookie cather to start an All Star Game.

Check out the MLB All Star Game Selection Show on TBS at 2PM EST tommorow to see if the report by The New York Post is correct.