NL Finally Wins All Star Game

As seen on Phillies Nation.

The National League won the All Star Game for the first time since 1996, a year where the game was played at Veterans Stadium and Ricky Botallico was the Phillies only representative. Charlie Manuel led the 2010 NL All Stars to a 3-1 victory over the star studded American League.

Ubaldo Jiminez and Josh Johnson each pitched two superb innings. The American League scored their lone, unearned run against Hong-Chih Kuo.

Aggressive base-running by Scott Rolen eventually paid off. Brian McCann provided the knock with a three-run double with two outs in the seventh. Phillies fans have seen this so many times from McCann, so it was different being on the other side of a McCann clutch hit. McCann was ultimately named the game's Most Valuable Player.

Ryan Howard served as the designated hitter for the National League. He went 0-for-2 with a strikeout against David Price. Howard also grounded out.

Roy Halladay pitched 2/3 of an inning, allowing two hits and striking out one. Manuel may have misused him in the situation. Instead of bringing Halladay in earlier, Kuo was brought in. Halladay was forced to warm up twice.

Jonathan Broxton closed the doors to secure home field advantage for the National League. Overall, it was a well-played game. In the year of the pitcher, it was only fitting that the All Star Game was dominated by brilliant pitching performances.

David Ortiz was the Home Run Derby Champion.

Three Phillies Named All Stars

As seen on Phillies Nation.

Three Phillies were named to the 2010 All Star team. Chase Utley, Roy Halladay and Ryan Howard will represent the National League in Los Angeles in next week's annual All Star Game.

Fans voted Chase Utley to be the starting second baseman. Unfortunately, Atlanta's Martin Prado replaced Utley due to his recent injury. This would have been Utley's fifth straight year starting the All Star Game. Utley was batting .277 with 11 home runs before having surgery on his thumb.

Roy Halladay will be making his seventh All Star appearance. Halladay currently leads the Major Leagues in innings pitched (130 IP). He is 9-7, although most of those losses are due to a lack of run support. Halladay has a 2.42 earned run average and 1.10 WHIP. There is a chance that Halladay could start the All Star game, but Josh Johnson and Ubaldo Jiminez are also strong possible candidates.

Ryan Howard was named a National League reserve. Charlie Manuel gave the edge to his own player, as Howard was chosen over the likes of Joey Votto (Votto can still make the roster via the "Final Vote"). This will be Howard's third All Star Game. Howard, who won the 2006 Home Run Derby, will not participate in this year's contest. Howard currently has 15 home runs and a .297 average.

There is still a very, very slight chance that Jayson Werth makes the roster. Werth was a late addition to last year's All Star roster, and could be again if Jason Heyward is not ready to return from his injury. The chances are very slim though.

Placido Polanco led NL third basemen in the voting for quite some time, but David Wright ended up surpassing him. Polanco, who remains on the disabled list, might not have been able to play anyway.

Congratulations to the three Phillies All Stars. At the beginning of the season, we may have expected a few more, but injuries have held this team back.

American League Wins Again

The National League lost for the twelfth time since 1996. With the 4-3 win, the American League will gain home field advantage during the World Series.

The American League took a 2-0 lead in the first inning off Tim Lincecum. Lincecum was backed by poor defense. The NL had three chances for a double play, but Albert Pujols made an error and David Wright made a bad throw. Also, nobody covered first base on a relay from short.

The NL got it back in the second inning. David Wright blooped a single off Roy Halladay and Shane Victorino (1-for-2, R) singled. Yadier Molina's two run double tied the game at two.

Prince Fielder's pinch hit double gave the NL a 3-2 lead in the second. However, Joe Mauer tied the game at three in the fifth with a RBI double of his own.

In the seventh inning, it looked like Brad Hawpe had tied the game. But Carl Crawford robbed Hawpe of a home run, leaping and reaching over the fence. It was Barry Bonds/Torii Hunter-like.

In the top of the eighth inning, Curtis Granderson led off with a triple. He scored on Adam Jones' sacrifice fly to give the AL a 4-3 lead.

With two on and two outs in the bottom of the eighth, Ryan Howard (0-for-1, SO) had a chance to tie the game, or possibly give the National League the lead. Joe Nathan struck him out on a check swing.

Mariano Rivera complete the save, his fourth in All Star Game history. The game lasted only 2 hours and 31 minutes, the fastest All Star Game since 1988 (2:26). Carl Crawford was named the MVP after his fantastic, game-saving catch.

Here are how the rest of the Phillies fared:

Chase Utley: 0-for-2 (groundout, fly out). He made a couple spectacular plays at second base.
Raul Ibanez: 0-for-2 (groundout, pop up)
Jayson Werth: 0-for-1 (strikeout). Made a fantastic catch in centerfield.

All Star Game Preview

The American League (36-41-2) will play the National League (41-36-2) tonight at Busch Stadium.

NL Lineup: Hanley Ramirez (SS)/ Chase Utley (2B)/ Albert Pujols (1B)/ Braun (RF)/ Raul Ibanez (LF)/ David Wright (3B)/ Shane Victorino (CF)/ Yadier Molina (C)/ Tim Lincecum (P).

AL Lineup: Ichiro Suzuki (RF)/Derek Jeter (SS)/ Joe Mauer (C)/ Mark Teixeira (1B)/ Jason Bay (LF)/ Josh Hamilton (CF)/ Evan Longoria (3B)/Aaron Hill (2B)/Roy Halladay (P).

Many of the best players in baseball meet up for the 80th Mid-Summer Classic! Charlie Manuel will be coaching the National League. Phillies managers are 5-0 all time in All Star Games. Manuel will look to make it 6-0 and stop the American League's streak of 11 consecutive wins (plus one tie).

There are five Phillies on the NL roster; starters Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez, Shane Victorino, and reserves Ryan Howard and Jayson Werth. The last time the Phillies had five All Stars was in 1995.

This one counts.

Pedro News

Ruben Amaro said that the Phillies would not know if Pedro Martinez passed his physical until Wednesday. Hours later, it was reported that Martinez passed his physical. Amaro declined to comment, however a press conference to introduce Martinez is expected tomorrow.

Amaro said that Martinez will need some time in the Minor Leagues before making an impact on the Major League roster. Amaro also said that adding Martinez would not stop the Phillies from pursuing Roy Halladay.

In All Star game news, Michael Young will start in place of Evan Longoria. Longoria has an infected finger. Chone Figgins will replace Longoria on the roster.

UPDATE (10:00 PM): Pedro signs a 1 year, $1 million contract plus $1.5 million in incentives.

Recapping the Mascot's All Star Game

The Major League Mascot All Stars and Minor League Mascot All Stars competed in their All Star game last night. Swing and a Long Drive and IRONPIGPEN were able to sneak into the game that was played behind closed doors. For a recap of the first 4 innings, visit IRONPIGPEN: The Pork Stops Here!

In the first half of the game, Muddy, the Minors' cleanup hitter, pointed his bat to the stands a la Babe Ruth. He hit a home run, giving the Minors a 6-0 lead. They held the lead until the eighth inning.

After Billy the Marlin was knocked out of the game, Lou Seal was able to mop up in relief.

Paws, the Minor League Mascot's starter, had a no-hitter through 7.2 innings. However, on the first pitch to The Bird, the umpire noticed that Paws had been doctoring the ball, something he had mastered. He was immediately ejected from the game. He argued with the umpire. To support the call, the San Diego chicken gave the umpire an eye exam, which he passed, proving the call was correct.

Champ, Scranton Wilks-Berre's pitcher, came in to relieve Paws. The MLB Mascots called the Los Angeles Angels' rally monkey. The Bird and The San Diego Chicken each drew a walk. Youppi singled for the MLB Mascot's first hit. It was a slow roller to right, but despite his speed, The Bird was held at third base because of Muddy's gun for an arm.

The Phanatic followed with a grand slam! It became 6-4. Mariner Moose hit a two-run homer before Champ struck out Mr. Met to end the inning.

Stomper came in during relief for the MLB Mascots, trying to keep the game tied at 6. He did the job. He loaded the bases for Ferrous. Ferrous' girlfriend was in attendance, however they hid them from each other since she makes him nervous. Ferrous finally saw Fe Fe, and became nervous. He struck out with the bases loaded.

The game looked to be headed into extra innings after the Minor League Mascots got two easy outs. On a full count, the San Diego Chicken launched one to deep left field. Woll E. Bull leaped at the fence. It went over his glove for a walk off home run. MLB Mascots won, 7-6.

The chicken clucked around the bases only to be mobbed by his mascot buddies. A dog pile formed, looking like a pile of toys that a toddler forogt to pick up.

The seven run deficit was the biggest comeback in Mascot All Star history. The MLB All Stars planned to dine at KFC for a celebratory dinner. The San Diego Chicken declined the invitation, spending the rest of the evening with his family.

The Mascot's Game didn't actually happen.

All Star Lineups and Pedro

Shane Victorino has been named the starting centerfielder for the 2009 All Star Game. Victorino, who won the Final Vote, will be starting for the injured Carlos Beltran.

All the other outfeilders on the team are corner outfielders. Jayson Werth can play center, however is an everyday right fielder.

The NL lineup: Hanley Ramirez (SS)/ Chase Utley (2B)/ Albert Pujols (1B)/ Braun (RF)/ Raul Ibanez (LF)/ David Wright (3B)/ Shane Victorino (CF)/ Yadier Molina (C)/ Tim Lincecum (P).

The AL lineup: Ichiro Suzuki (RF)/Derek Jeter (SS)/ Joe Mauer (C)/ Mark Teixeira (1B)/ Jason Bay (LF)/ Josh Hamilton (CF)/ Evan Longoria (3B)/Aaron Hill (2B)/Roy Halladay (P).

Pedro Martinez will be in Philadelphia today. If he passes his physical on Tuesday, the Phillies could sign him to a one year, prorated contract.

In other news, Manny Acta was fired last night.

All Star Mascots

In honor of the All Star Game, here is the Mascot All Stars roster. This was a very tough decision, and many of the mascots are All Star worthy. However, we had to cut our list to nine. For the Minor League Mascot All Stars, visit IRONPIGPEN: The Pork Stops Here!

1B: Phillie Phanatic

The Phillie Phanatic is not only the best mascot on the Mascot All Star team, but the best mascot in all of sports. He bats cleanup and is a big target at first base. The Phanatic keeps the rest of his mascot buddies loose in the clubhouse, playing pranks on everybody. He'll distract the umpires, and put a hex on the opposing pitcher. He is a true team player, always rooting for his team. Everybody loves the Phanatic... except maybe Tommy Lasorda.

2B: The San Diego Chicken

Somehow, the Swinging Friar took the Chicken's spot. It doesn't matter, because The Famous Chicken will always be an All Star. He has quick speed and great defense. Like the Phanatic, the Chicken is known for his famous gestures.

SS: The Bird

The Bird has a lot of range at short. He's been seen at opposing team's ballpark and is friends with many other mascots. He isn't afraid to play a prank and he is also, a Hall of Fame candidate.

3B: Mariner Moose

Poor Mariner Moose has always been an All Star-caliber mascot, but has suffered so many injuries. He broke his ankle roller-blading and he crashed his ATV into Coco Crisp. The Moose was also a HOF candidate.

LF: Wally the Green Monster

He's a wall out there in left. He wasn't liked at first, but grew on everyone. He's always interacting with players and fans.

CF: Racing Sausages

These quick sausages can cover the entire outfield. The only one who disapproves of them is Randall Simon.

RF: Youppi

Although the Expos are no longer in existence, Youppi is a favorite of many. He is now the Montreal Canadiens mascot. Youppi has a fiery attitude; he was the first mascot ejected from a game. Like The San Diego Chicken and the Phanatic, he is a Hall of Famer.

C: Mr. Met

His big head is a perfect target for the pitchers.

SP: Billy the Marlin

The ace of the staff was nominated to the Hall of Fame last year. The Marlins signed him "not only for his skill, cunning and great competitive nature, but most of all for his outstanding sense of humor and great rapport with baseball fans of all ages."

IRONPIGPEN's Minor League roster (for more, visit his site).


P: Paws
C: Spikes
1B: Rowdie
2B: Rip Tide
3B: Buster
SS: Buddy Bat
LF: Wool E. Bull
CF: Ferrous
RF: Muddy

The MLB roster is much better than IRONPIGPEN's. Why? There is a reason they aren't Major League mascots.

World Futures Beat the US

After a long rain delay, Kyle Drabek and Yohan Flande were able to get into some action during the 2009 Futures Game.

Drabek pitched a 1-2-3 second inning against the World Futures. He struck out one batter. His fastball clocked as high as 96 mph and his curveball was impressive. He threw 10 pitches, 7 for strikes.

Flande got two easy outs on a strikeout and ground-out to start the second inning. Then, he allowed two straight singles, but escaped the jam by striking out Danny Espinosa.

The World Futures rallied in the final inning to win, 7-5. Rene Tosoni, a product of the Twins, was named MVP after a go-ahead double.

The US trailed 3-0. Pedro Alvarez's infield single made it 3-2. In the fifth inning, the US rallied with two outs. Jason Castro's three run home run put the US ahead, 5-3. However, Trevor Reckling could not hold the lead in the seventh and final inning.

The World team has now won 6 of 11 Futures Games.

Call of the Day: Saturday wasn't the only time Ryan Howard tied the game in the 9th.

"This is well hit to left field! This ball is off the fence!
Two runs are going to score! This game is tied, as Ryan Howard slides into
second base! So the Phillies have comeback, as Turnbow blows only his
second save all year. It is tied at 5."

New All Stars

Zach Duke has replaced Matt Cain on the All Star team. Trevor Hoffman replaced Jonathan Broxton. Both Cain and Broxton have suffered injuries.

Duke is 8-8 with a 3.29 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. Hoffman has 19 saves and a 2.13 ERA.

Carlos Pena will replace Dustin Pedroia on the American League roster. Pedroia will not be able to play because of family issues.

Pena is batting .230, but has a .893 OPS and 24 HR.

The All Star game will be on Tuesday.

Werth an All Star

Jayson Werth has been named to the NL All-Star roster replacing New York Mets outfielder Carlos Beltran, who is on the DL. The Phillies now have five Phillies headed to St. Louis for the mid-summer classic: Chase Utley, Raul Ibanez, Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino and Werth.

It is the 13th time a team has sent three outfielders to the All Star Game. The last team being the 1995 Indians with Albert Belle, Kenny Lofton and Manny Ramirez.

In my opinion, Werth was more deserving than Victronio, but Pablo Sandoval as more deserving than both of them.

Victorino Leading Final Vote

Also posted on Phillies Nation.

Shane Victorino found the secret for getting more votes: a walk-off single. Coming into Thursday morning, Victorino took the lead for the Final Vote balloting. Victorino has a very slim margin over Pablo Sandoval of the San Francisco Giants.

Assuming Victorino wins, Pennsylvania would like to tally more votes than Hawaii. Governors Ed Rendell and Linda Lingle teamed up so that if Hawaii wins, they will send pineapples to PA. If Pennsylvania wins, they will send cheesesteaks to Hawaii. There has been no conformation that Rendell will do a hula dance if Hawaii wins.

Even if Victorino does not win the Final Vote, he could still make the team because Carlos Beltran will be unable to play.

The Phillies and Tigers partnered up to vote for Bran Torino! Voting ends today at 4:00 p.m.

Final Vote In Mind, Victorino Comes Through

Originally posted on Phillies Nation.

Shane Victorino has been around the city promoting his candidacy for the Final Vote. Handing out flyers, shaking hands and signing autographs help, but proving why he should be selected is more important. Shane Victorino (2-for-4, 2 SB) did that in the ninth inning.

In the fourth, the Cincinnati Reds took a 2-0 lead on Lance Nix's RBI single and Ramon Hernandez's sacrifice fly. In the bottom half of the inning, Ryan Howard returned the favor with a RBI single of his own.

Starter Rodrigo Lopez pitched five innings allowing two runs on five hits. He walked one and struck out four. Still, the Phillies had trouble manufacturing runs, leaving nine men on base. Additionally, they were 2-for-8 with runners in scoring position.

The Phillies pitching kept them in the game, and one swing off the bat of Jayson Werth tied it in the sixth. Werth's nineteenth home run of the year made it a new ballgame.

The Phillies bullpen pitched four shutout innings. Ryan Madson's two innings were key, giving the Phillies a chance in the bottom of the ninth.

Pedro Feliz led off with a single. Paul Bako failed to bunt him over, and Eric Bruntlett flied out. Jimmy Rollins worked a two out walk, and Victorino was given the perfect opportunity to make his campaign speech. He singled to center, scoring Feliz. A walk-off single and that was the ballgame. Phillies win 3-2.

Call of the Day: Last April, the Phillies had an exciting walk-off win off the bat of Pedro Feliz.

"Smoked. Down the left field line. Going all the way to the
corner! Here comes Jenkins, being waved around. The throw to the
plate.. he's safe at home plate! Phillies win 4 to 3 with a three run
ninth inning! Pedro Feliz with a big game winning double! Jenkins
was flying around third and scored the winning run. What a comeback by the
Phils, who led the majors in come back wins last year and they had several again
this year as they comeback from 3-0 in the ninth inning and come back to win it
4 to 3. Wow.

Our Chevrolet players of the game; the Phillies offense in this ninth
inning. Pinch hitter Chris Snelling homered. Pat Burrell
homered. And Pedro Feliz the game winning double. The Phillies
offense, our Chevrolet the players of the game."

HR Derby & All Star Game for Howard

There is that whole "who should be an All Star? The voting system stinks" debate. That's all fun and games. There may be other players who deserve it more than Ryan Howard (Pablo Sandoval, etc.) however, Charlie Manuel picked Howard as a reserve and he had his reasons.

First off, Howard is Phillie. Manuel's players are the reason he is coaching the All Star Game.

He is from St. Louis. He has great numbers at Busch Stadium. In 17 games, Howard is batting .381 (24-for63) with 7 HR and 29 RBI. His on-base percentage is .536, his slugging percentage is .746 and his OPS is 1.282.

The National League has four first baseman (Albert Pujols, Adrian Gonzalez, Prince Fielder and Howard), so chances are Howard will not play. However, Manuel feels that Howard is a reliable bat off the bench to pinch hit. He has proven he can hit in his hometown.

Also, on the All Star ballots, there was a section to vote for who the fans would like to see in the HR Derby. Howard finished second in the balloting, and he will indeed participate in the home run derby. Howard won the derby in 2006.

If I were a betting woman, I'd bet on Howard to win the Home Run Derby. He won it before. He didn't make it far in 2007, but look at the park he played in; AT&T Park. Home runs weren't flying that night.

This year, he'll be up against Pujols, Gonzalez, and Fielder, so far. Tough competition. This is Howard's chance to shine in front of his hometown. He may not get an ovation like Josh Hamilton last year, but I am sure he'll get a good one. As long as he hits homers, which he is known to do, the crowd will be behind him.

I think he will win it. Only one question remains: Will Ramon Henderson pitch to him?

Three Phillies All Stars

Originally posted on Phillies Nation. For full rosters, click here!

The fans voted for Chase Utley and Raul Ibanez to start the 2009 All Star Game in St. Louis. Ryan Howard made the team as a reserve.

Utley is headed to his fourth consecutive All Star Game. The last second baseman to start in four straight was Craig Biggio and the last Phillies player to do it was Mike Schmidt. Utley is batting .300 with 17 home runs.

Ibanez, who remains on the disabled list, will make his first All Star appearance.

Ryan Howard will be making his second All Star appearance and first since 2006. Howard is batting .255 and is third in the league with 60 runs batted in.

There is one empty roster spot. The Phillies could send Shane Victorino to the mid-summer classic. Vote for the final vote!

In other Phillies news, Scott Eyre was activated from the 15-day disabled list. Sergio Escalona was sent down to the minors. Eyre says he feels better, but is still "rusty."

All Star Game Rosters

Here all the 2009 All Stars. There is one spot open for each team. Click the picture to vote for the "Final Vote."

American League

Starters

C Joe Mauer, MIN
1B Mark Teixeira, NYY
2B Dustin Pedroia, BOS
SS Derek Jeter, NYY
3B Evan Longoria, TB
OF Jason Bay, BOS
OF Ichiro Suzuki, SEA
OF Josh Hamilton, TEX

Pitchers

P Andrew Bailey, OAK
P Josh Beckett, BOS
P Mark Buehrle, CWS
P Brian Fuentes, LAA
P Zack Greinke, KC
P Roy Halladay, TOR
P Felix Hernandez, SEA
P Edwin Jackson, DET
P Joe Nathan, MIN
P Jonathan Papelbon, BOS
P Mariano Rivera, NYY
P Justin Verlander, DET
P Tim Wakefield, BOS

Reserves

C Victor Martinez, CLE
1B Justin Morneau, MIN
1B Kevin Youkilis, BOS
2B Aaron Hill, TOR
SS Jason Bartlett, TB
3B Michael Young, TEX
OF Carl Crawford, TB
OF Curtis Granderson, DET
OF Torii Hunter, LAA
OF Adam Jones, BAL
OF Ben Zobrist, TB

National League

Starters

C Yadier Molina, STL
1B Albert Pujols, STL
2B Chase Utley, PHI
SS Hanley Ramirez, FLA
3B David Wright, NYM
OF Carlos Beltran, NYM
OF Ryan Braun, MIL
OF Raul Ibanez, PHI

Pitchers

P Heath Bell, SD
P Chad Billingsley, LAD
P Jonathan Broxton, LAD
P Matt Cain, SF
P Francisco Cordero, CIN
P Ryan Franklin, STL
P Dan Haren, ARI
P Josh Johnson, FLA
P Ted Lilly, CHC
P Tim Lincecum, SF
P Jason Marquis, COL
P Francisco Rodriguez, NYM
P Johan Santana, NYM

Reserves

C Brian McCann, ATL
1B Prince Fielder, MIL
1B Adrian Gonzalez, SD
1B Ryan Howard, PHI
2B Orlando Hudson, LAD
2B Freddy Sanchez, PIT
SS Miguel Tejada, HOU
3B Ryan Zimmerman, WSH
OF Brad Hawpe, COL
OF Hunter Pence, HOU
OF Justin Upton, ARI

Pharm Phriday: All Star Edition

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs have three players headed to the All Star Game. Andrew Carpenter, Mike Cervenak and Andy Tracy were selected to represent the International League All Stars.

Carpenter is 7-1 with a 2.75 earned run average in 14 games. Carpenter earned his first Major League win when he was called up earlier this season to start against the Washington Nationals.

Cervenak is batting .311 with 10 home runs and 66 runs batted in. Cervenak, 33, was selected to be an All Star last season, but did not play due to his promotion to the Major Leagues. Tracy is tied for second in the International League in home runs with 14.

IRONPIGPEN gives the complete I.L Roster.

The Reading Phillies have four players selected for the Eastern League: Joe Savery, Neil Sellers, Michael Taylor, and Vance Worley.

Savery and Taylor were selected by the fans. Savery leads the Eastern League with 10 wins. He also has a 3.08 ERA Taylor leads the league with a .348 batting average. Taylor is second in the league with a 1.009 on-base plus slugging percentage.

Sellers is batting .300 with 8 home runs and 44 RBI.

Worley is 5-4 with a 3.63 ERA. As always, Phoul Ballz gives a great interview with his most recent being with Worley.

Both All Star games will be held on July 15.

Some Locks for the ASG

Raul Ibanez will most likely be headed to his first All Star Game and Chase Utley will likely be headed to his fourth. With the All Star voting ending on Thursday, it appears that Ibanez and Utley will be playing in the mid-summer classic.

Ibanez leads all outfielders with 2,970,139 votes. Utley leads all second baseman and is second among all National League players in total votes with 3,510,082.

Ryan Howard remains second behind Albert Pujols. Howard trails by about 2 million votes. In the American League, Mark Teixeira and Kevin Youkilis have been back and fourth battling for a starting position. Teixeira currently leads, but only by around 40,000 votes.

Pedro Feliz remains fourth, almost a million votes behind leader David Wright. Evan Longroia has a demanding league in the AL.

Last week, Jimmy Rollins fell to second, but it was still a close race. Hanley Ramirez extended his lead to 254,000 votes. Derek Jeter has a big lead in the AL.

Joe Mauer leads all American League catchers. Carlos Ruiz fell out of the top five in the NL. Yadier Molina lead Brian McCann by about 400,000 votes.

Ryan Braun and Carlos Beltran will start in the outfield with Ibanez. Shane Victorino remains in fifth place and Jayson Werth remains in ninth place. Jason Bay, Ichiro and Josh Hamilton are the AL leaders, however Hamilton may not be able to play the All Star game so fourth place Torii Hunter could get the start.

Click the photo to vote for your favorite Phillies or players you think deserve to play in the All Star Game!

Drabek & Flande To Represent Phillies

Seen on Phillies Nation.

Kyle Drabek and Yohan Flande will represent the Phillies in the Futures Game in St. Louis during the All Star Break.

Drabek, the Phillies first round pick in 2006, will represent team USA. In Class A Clearwater, Drabek struck out 74 batters in 61.2 innings. He was 4-1 with a 2.48 ERA before being promoted to Double-A. In four starts with Reading, Drabek is 3-0 with a 2.08 ERA. Drabek has rebounded nicely from 2007 Tommy John surgery.

Flande will represent the World team. Flande was never considered a high prospect, however he has been impressive this season with Clearwater. He is 6-1 with a 2.45 ERA and 1.17 WHIP.

All Star Updates

Jimmy Rollins has dropped to second place in the all star balloting behind Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez. Rollins trails by only 154,000 votes. Derek Jeter has a steady lead in the American League

Chase Utley is no longer the National League’s overall leader. Albert Pujols has the most votes with 2,934,794, edging Utley who has 2,922,796. Utley continues to lead all second baseman, leading Orlando Hudson by about a million votes. Ian Kinsler leads all AL second baseman, but Dustin Pedroia is catching up, only 200,000 votes behind.

Ryan Howard remains second about a million votes behind Pujols. Adrian Gonzalez drops to fourth among first baseman. Kevin Youkilis took the lead over Mark Teixeira for the AL first baseman.

Also Raul Ibanez continues to lead all NL outfielders with 2,465,539 votes. Ryan Braun and Carlos Beltran are also the other outfield leaders. Shane Victorino remains in fifth place and Jayson Werth remains in ninth place. Victorino is only about 400,000 votes behind third outfielder Carlos Beltran. Jason Bay, Josh Hamilton, and Ichiro Suzuki lead AL outfielders. Carl Crawford is only trailing Ichiro by about 100,000 votes.

Pedro Feliz remains in fourth place about 700,000 votes behind leader David Wright. Evan Longoria leads all AL third baseman.

Yadier Molina and Joe Mauer continue to lead catchers. Carlos Ruiz drops from fourth place to fifth place.

Click the picture to vote for your favorite players or who you think deserves to play in the mid-summer classic!