Rays headed to All-Star game
Fan votes needed to add Pena to roster
By SUZETTE PORTER
| Article published on Sunday, July 5, 2009 |
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Four Tampa Bay Rays were named to the American League All-Star game roster on Sunday, July 5, and fans have a chance to send one more to the July 14 event at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
Rays’ third baseman Evan Longoria will play in a starting role. Three others will go as reserves. Ben Zobrist made the team via a manager's selection. Zobrist, described as a "super utility man,” has been playing second base since Akinori Iwamura was injured in late May. Short stop Jason Bartlett and fielder Carl Crawford were selected by players' balloting.
One more spot for the American and National league teams will be decided by fans from a list of five nominees for each league, and Rays’ officials and players are hoping it will be first baseman Carlos Pena.
Sending four players - maybe five - is a team record making the Rays the first team since 2005 when the White Sox sent four players under the age of 30 to the game.
The trip will be Crawford's third appearance. Crawford also made the team in 2004 and 2007. Longoria is making his second trip. Longoria was the voters’ pick during the 2008 Final Vote. Bartlett and Zobrist will be making their first appearance as All-Stars.
Other American League nominees are third baseman Chone Figgins of the Angels, third baseman Brandon Inge of the Tigers, second baseman Ian Kinsler of the Rangers and designated hitter Adam Lind of the Blue Jays.
National League nominees are shortstop Cristian Guzman of the Nationals, outfielder Matt Kemp of the Dodgers, third baseman Mark Reynolds of the D-backs, third baseman Pablo Sandoval of the Giants and outfielder Shane Victorino of the Phillies.
Fans have until 4 p.m. Thursday, July 9, at 4 p.m. to vote in the Sprint Final Vote to determine the 33rd and final All-Stars on the National and American League rosters.
To vote, visit tampabay.rays.mlb.com.
In total, the Rays will be sending 11 to the 80th annual All-Star game. Rays manager Joe Maddon will be heading up the American League team, accompanied by his six-man coaching staff, bullpen catcher Scott Cursi and at least four players.
The group will travel to St. Louis right after the Sunday, July 12, home game against Oakland.
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Article published on Sunday, July 5, 2009
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