Halladay, Lincecum will start All-Star Game
ST. LOUIS - Tim Lincecum and Roy Halladay were selectedMonday as the starting pitchers for the All-Star game.
Last year's NL Cy Young Award winner, Lincecum is 10-2 with a2.33 ERA for the San Francisco Giants. He will get the ball Tuesdaynight at Busch Stadium, NL manager Charlie Manuel announced.
Lincecum made the All-Star team for last season's game at YankeeStadium but was unable to pitch because he was ill.
"This is a great accomplishment for me," Lincecum said, hislong, shaggy hair protruding from under a black knit cap. "I thinktomorrow the big thing is going to be just getting to the field.And after that, just getting on the field."
Halladay, 10-3 with a 2.85 ERA for the Toronto Blue Jays, waschosen by AL manager Joe Maddon.
This is Halladay's sixth All-Star appearance, but his firstchance to start -- and it could be his final trip in a Torontouniform.
Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi said last week he'lllisten to trade offers for the 2003 AL Cy Young Award winner, whois signed through 2010 and would have to agree to a deal.
At a news conference Monday, broadcaster Bob Costas calledHalladay a member of the Blue Jays "at least for the moment,"which drew a round of uneasy chuckles.
"It's tough. Obviously, I'm somewhere that I enjoy being andhave spent my entire career. There's a lot, I think, that goes intoit," Halladay said. "I think as a player, there's that will towin, that will to do it in October and basically that's what all ofthis has been about. I would like that chance. I'm not saying itwon't be Toronto. You'd like to be three games up in first placeand not have to deal with it."
Lincecum and Halladay each pitched Thursday, so both will be ontheir regular four days of rest.
In his most recent outing against San Diego, Lincecum carried ano-hit bid into the seventh inning and won his fourth straightouting.
Halladay, who has won more games than any other major leaguepitcher since 2002, has made three starts since returning from astint on the disabled list with a groin strain. Maddon's Tampa BayRays are 5-3 against the two-time 20-game winner over the lasttwo-plus seasons.
"I see him way too often," Maddon said.
Manuel chose one of his own Phillies players, Gold Glove winnerShane Victorino, to start in center field in place of injuredCarlos Beltran, who was elected by fans.
"I wanted a guy that had played center field, was a true centerfielder to put out there," Manuel said.
Florida shortstop Hanley Ramirez will lead off for the NL,followed by Philadelphia second baseman Chase Utley, St. Louisfirst baseman Albert Pujols and Milwaukee slugger Ryan Braun inright. Raul Ibanez of the Phillies will be in left and bat fifth,in front of Mets third baseman David Wright, Victorino, Cardinalscatcher Yadier Molina and Lincecum.
Lincecum, a boyish-looking right-hander, is tied for the majorleague lead with 149 strikeouts. He was asked if he would take anyprecautions to make sure he doesn't get sick again this year. Hesaid he would load up on fluids to stay hydrated and have Giantsteammate Matt Cain "put a leash around my neck, keep me in aroom."
For the AL, Seattle right fielder Ichiro Suzuki leads off andYankees shortstop Derek Jeter is in the No. 2 hole. Minnesotacatcher Joe Mauer bats third, followed by New York first basemanMark Teixeira, Boston left fielder Jason Bay, Texas center fielderJosh Hamilton, Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria, Torontosecond baseman Aaron Hill and Halladay.
"It's just a great honor for me and I'm extremely excited,"Halladay said. "A highlight moment for me in my career, so thankyou."
Hill will start in place of Boston's Dustin Pedroia, last year'sleague MVP. Pedroia's wife, Kelli, is seven months pregnant and hasbeen in the hospital since Monday with complications.
Halladay was chosen to start over Kansas City ace Zack Greinke,among others. Greinke is 10-5 with an AL-best 2.12 ERA.
"I think Doc over the last several years has demonstrated to bepossibly the best pitcher in the American League," Maddon said."Just based on this season and a body of work, I thought that hedeserved the nod."
David Wells was the last Toronto pitcher to start an All-Stargame, in 2000. San Francisco sent Jason Schmidt to the mound sixyears ago.
