All-Star Lineup Set; Tigers Fans Excited
PHOENIX (AP/WWJ) - Philadelphia's Roy Halladay will throw the first pitch in Tuesday night's All-Star game in Phoenix. The American League will go with Jered Weaver of the L.A. Angels.
Halladay started the 2009 midsummer classic for Toronto and will be the fourth pitcher to start for both leagues. He's 11-3 with a 2.45 ERA. Weaver is 11-3 with a 1.86 ERA.
The NL batting order has Rickie Weeks in the leadoff spot. The Brewers second baseman will be followed by designated hitter Carlos Beltran of the Mets, Dodgers center fielder Matt Kemp and Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder in the cleanup spot. Then it'll be Atlanta catcher Brian McCann, St. Louis right fielder Lance Berkman, Cardinals left fielder Matt Holliday, Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and Reds third baseman Scott Rolen.
Yankees center fielder Curtis Granderson bats leadoff for the AL, with Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera and Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez hitting two-three. Major League home run leader Jose Bautista of the Blue Jays bats cleanup and will be followed by Rangers left fielder Josh Hamilton, Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre, Red Sox d-h David Ortiz, Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano and Tigers catcher Alex Avila.
Detroit Tigers fans, meanwhile, say they'll have a date with the TV set for tonight's All-Star Game.
"Quite an honor to have 5 people representing our city here on the All-Star Team," one fan told WWJ Newsradio 950. "Not a lot of cities get that, you know, privilege."
Other fans saying they're eager to take in the All-Star game, even though Justin Verlander will sit this one out. Fans telling WWJ:
"He pitches the next time we start, Friday, so that's really good," one fan said.
Another fan adding, "I mean, I don't think, I'm willing to sacrifice a win ... you know ... to let him play on the All-Star Team. Leyland made the right decision, for a change."
