American League All-Stars

The Tampa Bay Rays have the best record in baseball and currently lead the World Champion Boston Red Sox by two games in the American League East.  Yet when the A.L. All-Star team was filled out, not a single Ray landed in the starting lineup.  In fact, only two Rays, catcher Dioner Navarro and pitcher Scott Kazmir, even made the roster.  Meanwhile, the Red Sox have seven players on the team.  It hardly seems fair, does it?

Boston had first baseman Kevin Youkilis, second baseman Dustin Pedroia, outfielder Manny Ramirez, and designated hitter David Ortiz all named to the starting lineup.  Ortiz, however, won't be healthy enough to play.  Catcher Jason Varitek and outfielder J.D. Drew will be on the bench, while closer Jonathan Papelbon will no doubt get the ball in the ninth inning if the A.L. gets a lead.  

It will certainly seem strange seeing seven Red Sox players and manager Terry Francona taking the field at Yankee Stadium, especially since Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, and Mariano Rivera are the only Yankees to make the team, with Jeter and A-Rod both landing in the starting lineup.  Minnesota's Joe Mauer will start at catcher, while Texas' Jeff Hamilton and Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki will round out the starting outfield.  

Cleveland's Cliff Lee is the favorite to get the nod as the starting pitcher.  Lee has had a remarkable season, posting an 11-1 record with a sparkling 2.26 ERA.  Whoever starts the game, the A.L. will certainly have no trouble finishing it, with Papelbon, Rivera, Joe Nathan, and Francisco Rodriguez in the bullpen.