For weeks, Chase Utley has known that he'll be playing in the All-Star Game. Now, he knows he'll be accompanied by at least one teammate.
Brad Lidge also will be headed to Yankee Stadium to play for the National League on July 15. Pat Burrell, who has All-Star credentials, will be among the five players in the "final vote" contest and can be named to the team in online fan balloting this week. Cole Hamels was left off the team despite his 9-5 record and 3.22 ERA.
Utley, the leading NL vote-getter in fan balloting (only Alex Rodriguez got more votes in the AL), will start at second base for the NL for the third straight season. Entering today's game against the Mets, Utley was leading the majors with 24 home runs and batting .296 with 67 RBIs.
Lidge, who agreed earlier today to a three-year, $37.5 million contract extension, was 2-0 with a 0.77 ERA and 19 saves entering today's game. He's the only regular closer in the NL who hasn't blown a save. Lidge will be making his second All-Star appearance. He pitched in the 2005 All-Star Game as a member of the Astros.
Burrell entered today's game batting .278 with 21 homers and 53 RBIs. He will be vying with Aaron Rowand (Giants), Corey Hart (Brewers), Carlos Lee (Astros) and David Wright (Mets) for the final spot on the NL roster.
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