All-Star game lineups and pitchers announced

[Cianne]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/allstar05/news/story?id=2105296

La Russa wasn't afraid to go with the homer pick on this one with Carpenter getting the ball for the NL. He's been great but Willis and Clemens have been phenomenal. Willis has 5 CGs and 4 SHOs while Clemens is just being Clemens dominating everyone despite his craptacular offense.

Oh did I mention the All-Star game sucks and is pretty much a sham?

[SilverBritches]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/allstar05/news/story?id=2105296

La Russa wasn't afraid to go with the homer pick on this one with Carpenter getting the ball for the NL. He's been great but Willis and Clemens have been phenomenal. Willis has 5 CGs and 4 SHOs while Clemens is just being Clemens dominating everyone despite his craptacular offense.

Oh did I mention the All-Star game sucks and is pretty much a sham?

Dontrelle Willis is not starting for the NL? Is that some kind of joke? He has won freaking 14 games and we are only half way through the season.

[GAMECOCK_FAN]

Dontrelle Willis is not starting for the NL? Is that some kind of joke? He has won freaking 14 games and we are only half way through the season.
I agree that Willis probably should be the starting pitcher for the NL. However, Carpenter has 13 wins (not too shabby), and I read that Willis even stated that La Russa should start his own player (Carpenter).

The web site below states (on June 27th):

While Dontrelle Willis is beginning to receive national support to start the All-Star Game, the pitcher said Tony La Russa should award that honor to one of his own pitchers: Cardinals right-hander Cris Carpenter.

La Russa will manage the National League All-Stars and choose the starting pitcher.

''I would want him to select his guy,'' Willis said. ``That's his team. I've got a lot of respect for Tony La Russa. Whatever he wants to do. Me personally, I want him to start one of his guys.''

Like Willis, Carpenter is also enjoying a strong year. He is 11-4 with a 2.77 ERA, three shutouts and three complete games. By comparison, Willis is 12-2 with a 1.76 ERA, three shutouts and four complete games.

Willis was selected to the 2003 All-Star team as a rookie but did not play.

''I just want to play,'' Willis said. ``I would love to get in there and get my cleats dirty.''

Even Marlins manager Jack McKeon said although he feels Willis is better deserving of starting honors, he would understand if La Russa chose Carpenter.

''If they're pretty damn close, I'm going to pitch my guy,'' McKeon said. ``But I think Dontrelle is clear cut.''

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/baseball/11994889.htm

[Cianne]

I agree that Willis probably should be the starting pitcher for the NL. However, Carpenter has 13 wins (not too shabby), and I read that Willis even stated that La Russa should start his own player (Carpenter).

The web site below states: "While Dontrelle Willis is beginning to receive national support to start the All-Star Game, the pitcher said Tony La Russa should award that honor to one of his own pitchers: Cardinals right-hander Cris Carpenter."

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/sports/baseball/11994889.htm

Willis is a pretty stand up and humble guy. Nobody is questioning that. Although if Clemens had the offense that Carpenter did, he's 17-0 at the break.