2009 All-Star Game Rosters Announced

The mid-summer classic is upon us, the 2009 All-Star Game is set to take place next Tuesday, July 14 from St. Louis, Mo.

The game that has been dominated by the American League, has gained heavy importance over the years toward the postseason with the winner of the game earning home field advantage for the World Series.

The managers for the game, Joe Maddon, manager of the surprise of last year, the AL champs, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and manager of the World Champion Philadelphia Phillies Charlie Manuel.

After the votes were tallied, Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals and Derek Jeter of the Yankees were the top vote getters earning the right to start for the National League at first base and for the American League at shortstop respectively.

Pujols will be joined by his teammate Yadier Molina at catcher, Chase Utley (Phillies) at second base, Hanley Ramirez (Marlins) at Shortstop, David Wright (clearly a popular vote because he's been injured for most of the year) at third base and in the outfield Ryan Braun (Brewers), Carlos Betran of the Mets (another popular but injured vote) and Raul Ibanez of the Phillies.

Jeter is joined by Joe Mauer (Twins) at catcher, Mark Teixera (Yankees) at first base, last year's AL MVP Dustin Pedroia (Red Sox) at second base, Evan Longoria (Rays) at third base and in the outfield, Ichiro (Mariners), Jason Bay (Red Sox) and in center field picked over the Angels Torii Hunter who is hitting over .300 and clubbed 18 home runs this year is Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers whose been injured for most of the season and brings these stats to prove his selection (.248, 6 home runs, 29 RBIs)

The balloting is clearly a popularity contest, why Hamilton gets the vote over Hunter is beyond me, and yet Hamilton plans to play at the All-Star Game, ridiculous.

The two biggest baseball controversies for the season affected the balloting, those two controversies were of course Alex Rodriguez and Manny Ramirez.

Rodriguez whose won the top vote getter in the past, lost votes to Longoria who eventually won the starting job and now Rodriguez for one of the few times in his career will not be going to the All-Star Game, as Longoria's backup will be converted third basemen Michael Young of the Texas Rangers.

Ramirez was not chosen for the All-Star Game, but surprisingly finished fourth behind the chosen starters, Braun, Ibanez and Beltran. The impact from his 50 game suspension, even had Ramirez's manager Joe Torre state that if Ramirez was chosen, that he should not have gone.

For reserves, the National League notably brings three first basemen to back up starter Albert Pujols: Adrian Gonzalez (Padres), Ryan Howard (Phillies) and Prince Fielder (Brewers). Although, this is a bit much, it was just announced that these four players will head up the field for the upcoming Home Run Derby, SWEET!

The American League may have picked out their roster the right way, they are bringing five outfielders for backups as opposed to the National League's three outfielders.

The AL chose Justin Morneau (Twins) and Kevin Youkilis (Red Sox) to backup Teixera, it does leave out a deserving Miguel Cabrera (Tigers).

For pitchers, the NL will bring their top guns that include Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain (Giants), Johan Santana (Mets), Jason Marquis (Rockies) and Dan Haren (Diamondbacks) to combat with the AL's slingers, Josh Beckett and Tim Wakefield (Red Sox), Zack Greinke (Royals), Justin Verlander (Tigers) and Roy Halladay (Blue Jays).

The pitching snubs for each league include Yvonni Gallardo (Brewers) and rookie sensation Rick Porcello (Tigers).

Rounding out the rosters, are the bullpens.

The AL will send Mariano Rivera (Yankees), Jonathan Papelbon (Red Sox), Brian Fuentes (Angels) and Joe Nathan (Twins), the only snub would have to be Bobby Jenks (White Sox) for his season of 19 out of 21 game saved.

The NL counters with Francisco Cordero (Reds), Francisco Rodriguez (Mets), Ryan Franklin, (Cardinals), Jonathan Broxton (Dodgers) and the league leader in saves Heath Bell (Padres), the only snub for the closers would have to be Brian Wilson (Giants), 21 out of 25 games saved.

I have been a National League fan ever since I was a kid, and I root for them every year in the All-Star Game. Although the AL has reigned supreme over the years, the National League brings a whole new crop of talent especially Lincecum, last year's Cy Young award winner who would likely get the start for the National League.

I hope the NL is going to win, and their star packed bullpen holds up against the sluggers from the American League.