All-Stars Named Today

Mike Mussina of the New York Yankees filled out his ballot for the All-Star game, picking nine American League position players plus seven pitchers of his eight-man staff.

So, one starting pitcher short, he wrote down his name.

“Was it neat voting for myself? No, it felt kind of dumb,” Mussina said. “But I was the last one, and it didn’t say you couldn’t do it.”

Fans once again chose the starting lineups. But a new ballot for players gave major leaguers, managers and coaches a say -- for the first time since 1969 -- for the reserves in their own leagues.

The 32-man rosters will be announced today, except for two other players -- one for each league -- to be selected by fans.

Barry Bonds, Carlos Delgado and some other big names are likely to be the top choices by both voting groups. In those cases, the next-highest finisher on the players’ list goes to the game July 15 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago.

By all indications, voting was brisk among the ballplayers, with 90% or more taking part. Only one team did not actively participate -- less than half of the Yankees turned in ballots.

Players had until June 27 to vote and, just like fans, they used a variety of methods to pick their teams.

Baltimore pitcher Pat Hentgen was scientific. He kept a copy of the league leaders in his lap as he marked his choices.

“I went pretty much with straight stats,” he said. “But if a veteran and a young guy were even, I picked the veteran. A young guy might have more chances to get there, but with a veteran, he’s been doing it for a longer period of time and might not get another chance to play in an All-Star game.”

Atlanta center fielder Andruw Jones struggled with one particular player, expressing sentiments similar to what Bonds recently said.

“Albert Pujols, he’s having a good year but he has no position. Can’t vote for him,” Jones said. “I would like to, but where am I going to put him? Left field? First base? Third base? I don’t know.”

Players also tried to sort out a couple of issues that fans struggle with each year: Should a perennial All-Star and fan favorite such as Sammy Sosa get special consideration, and what about a young player such as Hank Blalock, who is off to a good start?

“Stats,” Atlanta right fielder Gary Sheffield said.

“It depends on who is having a better year. It’s not a popularity contest. It’s based on guys putting in the work, putting up the numbers and deserving to be rewarded for it.”