Starry Night in San Francisco

The rosters have been released for the 78th All-Star Game to be held on July 10th at AT&T Park in San Francisco. In a shocking last minute development, San Francisco Giants left fielder Barry Bonds, got the final starting spot in the National League outfield joining New York Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran, and Cincinnati Reds right fielder Ken Griffey, Jr. It is Bonds' fourteenth All-Star selection. Rounding out the NL squad is Milwaulkee Brewer first baseman Prince Fielder and Philadelphia Phillie second baseman Chase Utley. The New York Mets represent the left side of the infield with David Wright at third base and Jose Reyes at shortstop. The catcher is Los Angeles Dodger Russell Martin. For Fielder and Martin, it is their first All-Star start.

The American League squad is headlined by the Major League leading vote-getter at third base, New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez. He is joined by teammate Derek Jeter at shortstop. Boston slugger David Ortiz was voted to play first base. Detroit Tiger Placido Polanco will be starting at second base and Tiger catcher Ivan Rodriguez rounds out the infield. The starting outfield for the AL consists of Tiger Magglio Ordonez, Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki, and Los Angeles Angel outfielder Vladimir Guerrero. For Polanco, it is his first start as an All-Star.

Notable reserves are Houston Astro Carlos Lee, St. Louis Cardinal Albert Pujols, Milwaukee Brewer J.J. Hardy, Chicago Cub Alfonso Soriano, Boston Red Sox Manny Ramirez, Tampa Bay Devil Ray Carl Crawford, and Minnesota Twin Justin Morneau. Pitchers selected to each league include Los Angeles Dodger Brad Penny, San Diego Padre Jake Peavy, Atlanta Brave John Smoltz, Twin Johan Santana, Angels John Lackey and Francisco Cordero, Oakland Athletic Dan Haren, Indian C.C. Sabathia, and Tiger Justin Verlander.

The AL has won the last nine games that have been decided, the only game they did not win out of the last ten was the infamous tie in 2002 that led to the concept of the winning team getting home advantage in the World Series.