Record number of fans set All-Star roster

With a record-setting number of votes cast via MLB.com and at ballparks nationwide, the field for the 2011 All-Star Game was set on Sunday. The Blue Jays' Jose Bautista received the most votes of any individual player ever with 7,454,753, while the system as a whole saw more than 32.5 million ballots submitted, another record. The American League East dominated that league's voting, with seven of the nine starters hailing from that division, and that included Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. Jeter returned this week from a calf strain and continued his pursuit of 3,000 hits. Also back on the field is Cardinals superstar Albert Pujols, who had a wrist injury. With the All-Star Game, of course, comes the Final Vote Sponsored by Sprint and the Home Run Derby sponsored by State Farm. In the former, White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko and Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino were the latest leaders, with voting for the last spot on the All-Star rosters set to end Thursday at 4 p.m. ET. In the Home Run Derby, National League captain Prince Fielder and AL captain David Ortiz officially announced their squads, with four first-timers in the group: Bautista - the Majors' long-ball leader - Matt Kemp, Rickie Weeks and Robinson Cano. In regular-season action, the surprise second-place Pirates continued their surge and have come on the heels of the NL Central-leading Cardinals.
More news to come !