Official All-Star Rosters Announced - Wakefield is in

[BoSox21]

NEW YORK -- Albert Pujols will be in a familiar spot when St. Louis hosts the 80th All-Star Game. Boston knuckleballer Tim Wakefield is headed for a brand new situation.

 

Pujols was the leading vote-getter in balloting for the Midsummer Classic announced Sunday by Major League Baseball, giving the Cardinals first baseman the start in his home ballpark.

 

The NL MVP is well on his way to another amazing year, leading the majors with 31 homers and 82 RBIs. It's his eighth All-Star selection in nine seasons and fifth start.

 

Wakefield made his first All-Star roster in his 17th season, one of a major league-high six Red Sox headed to Busch Stadium for the July 14 game. The 42-year-old right-hander is tied for the big league lead with 10 wins.

 

Wakefield got a standing ovation when Boston's All-Stars were announced at Fenway Park, and he acknowledged the cheering crowd with a wave.

 

Teammate Dustin Pedroia, the reigning AL MVP, passed Texas' Ian Kinsler in a close vote at second base and left fielder Jason Bay also won a spot in the lineup.

 

While Pedroia rallied to get the start, Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis was caught by Yankees star Mark Teixeira in the final voting. It will be Teixeira's first All-Star Game start.

 

Youkilis made the team, anyway, along with Boston ace Josh Beckett and closer Jonathan Papelbon.

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/allstar09/news/story?id=4307180

[TheKilo]

Congrats Timmeh

[Cocos Disciples]

Huzzah for lifetime achievement awards.