NewsIbanez, Utley on verge of All-Star berths
Rollins, Howard remain second at respective positions
By Todd Zolecki / MLB.com
06/29/09 12:55 PM ET
PHILADELPHIA -- Phillies outfielder Raul Ibanez and second baseman Chase Utley continue to lead fan voting at their positions for the National League All-Star team.Ibanez appears headed to his first Midsummer Classic in his 14-year career.
Utley appears headed to his fourth consecutive appearance, and third consecutive as a starter.
Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, with 1,771,917 votes, remains in second place behind Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez's 2,026,174 votes, while Phils first baseman Ryan Howard remains a distant second to Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols.
Philadelphia third baseman Pedro Feliz and catcher Carlos Ruiz both are in fourth place at their respective positions. Outfielder Shane Victorino is in fifth place behind Ibanez, Ryan Braun, Carlos Beltran and Alfonso Soriano. Outfielder Jayson Werth is in eighth place.
In-stadium voting has ended, but fans still can vote online for starters up to 25 times with the 2009 All-Star Game Sprint Online Ballot at MLB.com and all 30 club sites until Thursday at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Starting rosters will be announced during the 2009 All-Star Game Selection Show presented by Pepsi on TBS on Sunday. Baseball fans around the world will then select the final player on each team via the 2009 All-Star Game Sprint Final Vote at MLB.com.
Fans also will have the opportunity to participate in the official voting for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet at the Midsummer Classic via the 2009 All-Star Game Sprint MVP Vote at MLB.com.
The July 14 All-Star Game in St. Louis will be televised nationally by FOX and around the world by Major League Baseball International. ESPN Radio will provide exclusive national radio play-by-play, while MLB.com will offer extensive online coverage.
Todd Zolecki is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
