FoxSports.com is reporting that the Milwaukee Brewers have dealt Matt LaPorta and 2 lower level prospects to the Cleveland Indians for C.C. Sabathia. I've yet to receive confirmation of the trade but I've put in a call to Matt and hope to hear back from his soon. More details to come...

"We're excited and ready to go," said newly selected All-Star Ian Kinsler after a hard fought 11-10 win over the Baltimore Orioles.  Kinsler, Josh Hamilton and Milton Bradley will all make their first appearance in a Major League All-Star game joining teammate Michael Young who is headed to his fifth consecutive All-Star game.  All four men were humble and honored by the fact that they were all voted at the top of their positions on the Player's Ballot in addition to Hamilton who was voted on the team by the fans and surpassed Manny Ramirez in the final days of voting to be the outfielder with the most votes.

"I'm excited about it," said Hamilton.  In Hamilton's case, the announcement was expected.  When asked about the moment, one of the most intriguing stories of this baseball season called it a relief and talked about how special it was to "get back to Major League Baseball and go to the All-Star game and play with teammates."  At one point, Hamilton admitted he was more excited about the other guys making the team. On the tremendous support he received from the fans, Hamilton said, "I've said plenty of times, if it weren't for the fans coming out and supporting us, we wouldn't be able to do this."

That feeling resonated throughout the other Rangers' All-Star selections.  Kinsler, the top vote-getter amongst the Player's Ballot at second base, also said how excited he was and mentioned that he was especially excited for his teammates. 

"Hopefully, we'll take over the locker room," said Kinsler.  "We'll have our normal pre-game music and see how many followers we can get."

When Kinsler was told that all four players to make the All-Star team were the most recognized player at their position on the Player's Ballot, he said, "I don't want to speak for everyone else but being recognized by the players is a huge compliment and it will be an exciting time for all four of us."

Michael Young should be getting used to this by now with his fourth consecutive trip to an All-Star game.  Young talked about being recognized by the players, also.  "It never gets old," said the Rangers shortstop, "I've been really fortunate to have the player's respect."

He also spoke about how this All-Star game was more special because he would be headed there with three of his teammates.  "I am excited for everyone for different reasons."

Rangers designated hitter Milton Bradley seemed to be the most humbled by the honor.  Often on the bad side of the press, Bradley's reaction to his selection by the players was an emotional one.  "A few months ago, I could have never even imagined this opportunity.  It is about as humbling, as fulfilling and special feeling as you can get," said Bradley.  "I never imagined this could happen to me."

"No matter the image I portray about my play, I never felt I had the respect of [the other players] like this," said Bradley of receiving the most votes at DH on the Player's Ballot.  "It makes you feel like they finally respect you.  It's a blessing to be a part of it."

When Bradley learned that American League All-Star manager Terry Francona announced he would replace injured Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz as the starter he said, "If Terry told me 'you can make the team but you have to shine the shoes,' I'd have been there.  On the field with guys like A-Rod... it will be a whirlwind experience."

Bradley even touched on what this means in relation to his previous negative moments in his career.  "It just feels good to be recognized for something positive.  All the injuries, the suspensions, the bad press, there's a glimmer of positivity out there.  Maybe I didn't deserve [the selection], maybe I still don't.  But guys I go hit against saw it.  It's all worth it."

But it wasn't all about Bradley for him.  Like the others, Bradley was just excited about his teammates as he was for him.  "I never realized how good Kins was and what a warrior Mike is.  And Hambone, with everything he's gone through from the back alleys to a household name.  I would have just been happy for them."

As for the Home Run Derby, Josh Hamilton paused when asked.  "Home Run Derby?"  Then he responded with a smile, "More than likely. It's one of those things you'd like to experience." 

Milton Bradley was also asked about the possibility of a Home Run Derby appearance.  "I'm up for it.  It'll be a spur of the moment decision."  Then Bradley said with a smile, "I just want to sit back and watch Hambone!"

After wrapping up, I had to double back and ask Milton one more question as the rest of the press left.  "If there's a rain delay like last time you were in New York at Shea, will there be a repeat performance?"

Bradley smiled again and responded, "If it's the four of us... you know we'll be tarp slidin'!"

 

AL Starters

C - Joe Mauer
1B - Kevin Youkilis
2B - Dustin Pedroia
3B - Alex Rodriguez
SS - Derek Jeter
OF - Josh Hamilton
OF - Manny Ramirez
OF - Ichiro Suzuki
DH - David Ortiz (Injured)

AL Reserves - J.D. Drew, Jason Varitek, Joe Crede, Carlos Quentin, Grady Sizemore, Carlos Guillen, Justin Morneau, Milton Bradley, Ian Kinsler, Michael Young, Dioner Navarro

AL Pitchers - Scott Kazmir, George Sherrill, Roy Halladay, Mariano Rivera, Jonathan Papelbon, Justin Duchscherer, Joe Nathan, Joakim Soria, Cliff Lee, Francisco Rodriguez, Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders

NL Starters

C - Geovany Soto
1B - Lance Berkman
2B - Chase Utley
3B - Chipper Jones
SS - Hanley Ramirez
OF - Ryan Braun
OF - Alfonso Soriano
OF - Kosuke Fukudome

NL Reserves -  Brian McCann, Aramis Ramirez, Matt Holliday, Dan Uggla, Miguel Tejada, Russell Martin, Nate McLouth, Albert Pujols, Ryan Ludwick, Adrian Gonzalez, Cristian Guzman

NL Pitchers - Aaron Cook, Tim Lincecum, Dan Haren, Ben Sheets, Carlos Zambrano, Brandon Webb, Ryan Dempster, Brian Wilson, Edinson Volquez, Kerry Wood, Brad Lidge, Billy Wagner

Since the fans vote in the starters, I'm not going to comment on those players. Whether you believe they deserved to be there or not is irrelevant. That's the fans voice and their only chance to voice their opinion about the players they want to see. The same can't be said about the pitchers and reserves!

Let me be the first to say this...Jason Varitek being chosen for the All-Star Game is an absolute joke! I mean, you're going to tell me he deserved to be in this game more than A.J. Pierzynski. I can live with Joe Crede, but Evan Longoria deserved to be in the game. And how is it possible that neither John Danks or Gavin Floyd make the team???

In the National League, I don't have as many problems. But I have one BIG problem...Brian Wilson...are you kidding me??? Wouldn't Cole Hamels be a better choice? And even if you hate Jose Reyes, I'm sorry, he's better than Miguel Tejada. Then there are Pat Burrell and Xavier Nady who were blatantly left off the team.

**Sigh**...so goes the All-Star Game I guess...

By the third inning, today's Orioles-Rangers game could feature as many as seven All-Stars once the American League rosters are announced.  With George Sherrill and Brian Roberts of the Orioles and Josh Hamilton, Milton Bradley, Ian Kinsler, Michael Young and Vincente Padilla being tossed around as possible All-Star selections -- including Sherrill, Hamilton, Bradley and Kinsler who are looking for their first All-Star nod -- Sunday’s announcement is guaranteed to bring All-Star recognition to at least one player from each team.

In the clubhouses, as rain fell at Camden Yards, there was little discussion of the All-Star game selections.  A gasp came over the Orioles’ clubhouse as ESPN reported the Phillies signed Brad Lidge to a 3-year, $37.5 million extension and one Oriole player commented “That’s a lot of money!”  Meanwhile, George Sherrill sat in front of his locker working on the crossword puzzle from the Sunday paper.  Other than a few writers throwing around a couple of possibilities and most thinking Sherrill would get the nod as the Orioles’ All-Star representative, not much was being said about the pending selections.

Over in the Rangers’ clubhouse, I was the only reporter in there and was told that if I wanted to talk to Josh Hamilton, it would be better to wait until after the game.  Hamilton is likely to be in the starting lineup for the American League as he was comfortably in second place in the outfield voting.  Other than Hamilton, Milton Bradley is the Ranger most likely to be selected to the team based on his excellent 2008 season.  Ian Kinsler and Michael Young are also strong possibilities and Vincente Padilla’s 10-5 record might be good enough to pick him up a spot on the team, also.

During the Orioles’ manager Dave Trembley’s Pre-Game Press Conference, the talk was focused on the games leading up to the All-Star break and the 11 home games following the All-Star break rather than the All-Star game.  Trembley “guaranteed” closer George Sherrill would pitch the ninth inning and joked he would “pull a Scioscia” and yank starter Radhames Liz even if he was pitching a no-hitter. 

As for the All-Star game, the only thing two thoughts Trembley shared was that the All-Star break was just days without games and not a break for him.  “The mind is always going,” said Trembley.  “I don’t think it rests until the season’s over.”  He also stated he planned on taking “homework” with him for the 11 games they will play at home after the break. 

As for the All-Star game itself, Trembley said he plans to watch… as long as he gets a nap in before the game because of the All-Star game’s tendency to go on until late into the night.

The Philadelphia Phillies announced today that they have signed closer Brad Lidge to a contract extension worth $37.5 million that includes a signing bonus, an awards package, escalators and a club option for 2012 with a buyout.

Lidge, a sure bet to be named to the 2008 All-Star team, is 2-0 with 19 saves and a 0.77 ERA in 35 appearances for the Phillies this season. He has 47 strikeouts in 35.0 innings (12.44 SO/9.0 IP) and has set a club record by converting his first 19 save opportunities of the season. Lidge did not allow an earned run through his first 17 appearances of the season (17.0 IP), which was the second-longest by a Phillie to start his career with the team.

Lidge has seemingly regained his form after losing the closer job back in 2006 with the Astros. He's certainly been a blessing for the 2008 Phillies.

With All-Star selections a few hours away, here are some links to all of the great stories from around the country leading up to the announcement.  In addition, I will be at Camden Yards attending the Baltimore Orioles-Texas Rangers where a number of potential All-Stars may or may not have their name called today.

... The New York Post is reporting that Cliff Lee and Brandon Webb will be announced as the starters for the American and National League when the teams are announced today.  The names are buried in "Report: Rodriguez, Ramirez highlight AL All-Stars" which can be found here.

... Could Jair Jurrjens be an All-Star in his rookie season with the Atlanta Braves?  Carroll Rogers of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution thinks it is a possibility.  Check out "Jurrjens has chance to make All-Star roster" here.

... What about Vladimir Guerrero?  Bill Shaikin of The Los Angeles Times thinks his chances are not great.  Check out "Vladimir Guerrero has slim chance of making All-Star team" here.

... Some think Kerry Wood could also be an All-Star selection.  Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times chronicled the possibility and grabbed some reaction from Wood on a story posted on their site today.  Check out "Close to an All-Star closer" here.

... Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Pat Burrell deserves (at least I think so) to be an All-Star and Randy Miller of PhillyBurbs.com writes that Pat the Bat wants to be one too after talking to him this weekend.  Check out "Burrell wishing he's an All-Star" here.

... Who will represent the Pirates at this year's All-Star game?  I think it will be at least one outfielder -- although Jason Bay, Nate McLouth and Xavier Nady could all make a case -- and Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review agrees.  Check out "Notebook: Bucs' all-star likely to be outfielder" here.

... One of the no-brainers on the National League side is Tim Lincecum of the Giants who has been amazing this season.  According to Andrew Baggarly of the San Jose Mercury News, Bruce Bochy is preparing for Lincecum to at least throw an inning or two and adjust accordingly.  Check out "Giants plan for Linceum to pitch in All-Star game" here.

... They are the best team in baseball right now... so shouldn't the Tampa Bay Rays get more than one representative at this year's All-Star game?  Manager Joe Maddon says it "would be nice" although the team has loftier goals.  Check out "Rays: We deserve more than one All-Star" in the St. Petersburg Times here.

... Over in the Chicago Tribune, Phil Rogers writes that more Cubs should expect to hear their name called on Sunday than White Sox.  Check out his piece -- "More Cubs than Sox likely to be All-Stars" -- here.

... Jon Paul Morosi of the Detroit Free Press weighs in with his thoughts on who might represent the Detroit Tigers.  Check out "All-Star rosters announced today: who will represent Detroit?" here.

... In his blog on the Houston Chronicle's website, Jose de Jesus Ortiz thinks that Lance Berkman, Carlos Lee and Jose Valverde should be named to the All-Star team.  For his reasons why, check out "Berkman should be joined by Lee, Valverde on All-Star team" here.

... Mike Fitzpatrick of the Associated Press offers up his own selections which can found in "Baseball All-Star picks always debatable" here.

... Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star got Gil Meche to talk about what his first time was like to play in an All-Star game last season.  Check out "Royals notebook: Meche says All-Star experience will be 'awesome' for any first-timer" here.

... Anthony Andro of The Fort Worth Star-Telegram wrote an excellent piece on All-Star veterans whose names you won't hear on All-Star Selection Sunday.  Check out "These former All-Stars are playing like benchwarmers" here.