All-Star managers Terry Francona and Clint Hurdle met today with members of the press and they both already have All-Star fever. Both managers stated how strong their focus is on winning the game, "The AL has had its way too frequently lately with the World Series, interleague play, and past All-Star Games," Hurdle said. "This is not going to be a celebrity golf tournament - we are trying to win this game," he added.

Francona responded to a pair of questions regarding Yankee closer Mariano Rivera, the first one in regard to whether he would consider starting Mo and the second whether Mo would be his closer over his own Jonathan Paplebon. "I'm not prepared to answer any question about who my starter will be, but I will follow the protocol and make the announcement on Monday," Tito said with a laugh. "I am planning to try to win this game and use every player appropriately and use as many players as I can. However, we are aware of where we are playing and plan to treat that respectfully."

The only real news in the press conference came from Hurdle who indicated that he will make his choice as to Alfonso Soriano's replacement on the team giving first look to the runners up to the fan voting for the final player chosen for the team. Matt Holiday, per the Players Agreement, will take Soriano's spot in the starting lineup.

Both managers are very cognizant of the importance of this being the last season of Yankee Stadium and appreciate the history around it. “It’s a baseball museum, holding hands with Fenway and Wrigley – dripping with historic ambience of the game. It’s a venue that holds itself among all venues, said Hurdle. I will take a lap around the field and go to see the monuments.”

Hurdle and Francona will bring their dads to the Stadium (Tito Francona, Terry’s father, was selected for the second All-Star game in 1961 in Cleveland but did not see action) and Terry mentioned that his entire family will be taking in all the family related fun and activities set up by MLB.

The press conference ended with each manager expressing how they are looking forward to seeing each other. Neither Francona or Hurdle ever made the All-Star squad as players but both gentlemen show the class that make them All-Stars in their right.

Bill Chuck is the creator of Billy-Ball.com (www.Billy-Ball.com) and, with Jim Kaplan, is the author of the book, “Walk-Offs, Last Licks, and Final Outs – Baseball’s Grand (and not so Grand) Finales,” with a Foreword by Jon Miller, published by ACTA Sports, and available worldwide. Autographed first editions are available by contacting, Bill@billy-ball.com or order directly from Acta Sports or from your favorite bookstore.