Jul 2, 2008 3:37 pm US/Eastern
Midnight Deadline To Vote Sox Into All-Star Game
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Red Sox fans have until midnight Wednesday to vote their favorites into the starting lineup of the All-Star Game to be played in Yankee Stadium later this month. Six Red Sox players have a shot at winning the popular vote in their position, though many are in tight battles.
In Major League Baseball, fans pick the starting lineup, excluding pitchers. The team is then fleshed out by the manager. As manager of the defending World Series champs, Terry Francona will lead this year's American League All-Stars.
Manny Ramirez is a lock for one of the three starting outfield positions.
J.D. Drew is in a tight race for one of the remaining spots with several other players.
At the positions of catcher and first base respectively, both
Jason Varitek and
Kevin Youkilis are in close battles with players from the Minnesota Twins.
At second base,
Dustin Pedroia had a narrow lead early Wednesday over Ian Kinsler of the Rangers.
David Ortiz easily locked up the fan voting for designated hitter, though he confirmed this week that he will not play in the game as he recovers from a torn tendon sheath in his left wrist.
More than 150 million votes have been cast at
MLB.com, and that voting ends at midnight.
The All-Star Game will be played July 15 at Yankee Stadium. The winning league in the All-Star game earns home-field advantage in the World Series.
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