News
Gonzalez holds ground in All-Star race
First baseman ranks fourth at position in latest balloting
By Corey Brock / MLB.com
06/15/09 12:32 PM ET
SAN DIEGO -- Adrian Gonzalez is holding firm in fourth place among first basemen on the latest National League All-Star ballot polling.Gonzalez, who is tied for the Major League lead in home runs with another NL first baseman, Albert Pujols, cracked the top five on the ballot for the first time last week.
Gonzalez currently trails first-place leader Pujols, Ryan Howard and Prince Fielder.
Gonzalez, an All-Star for the first time last season, hit nine home runs in April, 11 in May but has only two in the month of June. He had more walks (18) than hits (five) in his first 11 games of the month.
Despite his lack of power recently, Gonzalez continues to earn the respect of opposing pitchers who walked him in 10 consecutive games earlier this month. He also had eight consecutive games with two or more walks.
"In the last year or so, he has emerged as one of the top offensive and defensive players in this league ... and has done so in a very, very tough hitters' park," San Diego general manager Kevin Towers said of Gonzalez. "He has shown he can win games with his bat and his glove."
Fans can cast their votes for starters up to 25 times with the 2009 All-Star Game Sprint Online Ballot at MLB.com and all 30 club sites until July 2 at 8:59 p.m. PT.
Starting rosters will be announced during the 2009 All-Star Game Selection Show presented by Chevrolet on TBS on July 5. Baseball fans around the world will then be able to select the final player on each team via the 2009 All-Star Game Sprint Final Vote at MLB.com.
The other Padres on the All-Star ballot are catcher Nick Hundley, shortstop Luis Rodriguez, second baseman David Eckstein, third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff and outfielders Chase Headley and Brian Giles.
And the voting doesn't end there. Fans 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 All-Star Game 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.
Corey Brock is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
