As expected, Phillies second baseman Chase Utley will start at second base for the National League All-Star team for the third straight season.

Only New York Yankees' third baseman Alex Rodriguez received more votes than Utley among all players.

The selection process is still going on... I'll update when we find out what other Phillies are going to Yankee Stadium for the Midsummer Classic.

UPDATE: TBS just ran through the starting pitchers from the National League. Cole Hamels wasn't on the list.

I'm guessing the fact that he's starting next Sunday, the last game before the break, played a part in the process. He wouldn't likely be able to pitch in the All-Star game.

Pat Burrell also didn't make the cut. He did, however, make the list for the Final Five ballot... where fans will have the opportunity to vote one more player in from each league.

Burrell is up against Mets third baseman David Wright, Astros outfielder Carlos Lee, former Phillies and current San Fran center fielder Aaron Rowand and Brewers outfielder Corey Hart.

While the Phils got just two All-Stars, the Chicago Cubs had seven players voted or chosen for the roster.


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Very busy day at the park. Hopefully you saw the news on Lidge - I posted from my phone as it was being announced!

Sorry it was brief. With all the news going on, I have to focus on writing for the newspaper, and thus, the blog suffers.

Read tomorrow's Daily Times for more on the Lidge signing...