Stache remains unsupported

In the one part of the All-Star voting process that I wholeheartedly endorse, MLB has released the final additions to the two teams.

It's Evan Longoria from the Rays and Corey Hart of the Brewers.

I think this worked out well - I honestly thought David Wright would get the big New York push into the final slot - and think it's pretty interesting that you have representatives from two of the scariest teams heading into the second half of the season.

With the CC Sabathia addition in Milwaukee and the continued success of the Rays, Hart and Longoria are good selections, if for no other reason than the fact that it gives a good jumping off point for second-half storylines.

But first, MLB wants everyone to know that this was a record year for voting. I'm sure that makes things easier for the players that lost to know that they got their asses kicked in record-setting fashion.

Longoria drew a record nine million votes to win a close American League race over outfielder Jermaine Dye, who could have become the third White Sox player in four years to win the Final Vote. Yankees first baseman Jason Giambi, despite a high-profile "Support the 'Stache" campaign, finished third, followed by Baltimore second baseman Brian Roberts and Kansas City outfielder Jose Guillen -- all of whom finished with impressive vote totals.

Hart, with eight million votes, joined fellow Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun and pitcher Ben Sheets on the National League roster, and the way he was supported throughout the process was similar to the way fans pushed Braun from seemingly nowhere into the No. 1 outfield spot. Finishing a close second to Hart was Mets third baseman David Wright, an All-Star the past two years. They were followed by outfielders Pat Burrell of the Phillies, Aaron Rowand of the Giants and Carlos Lee of the Astros.

Let's be honest, folks - Jose Guillen didn't stand a snowball's chance of making it, did he?

(Image from: ESPN.com)

La Velle makes ESPN his bitch

While Minnesota suicide hotline operators hunker down for the next week in anticipation of Johan Santana jumping ship - Nightmare now with 100% more Joe Nathan! - the Twins continue to prove that they are prepared for life after Santana.

A deal is reportedly in the works with Tampa Bay to trade young talent for young talent with Matt Garza headed south as Delmon Young packs his bags for Minneapolis.

According to the story which was first reported by La Velle E. Neal III:

The main pieces changning teams would be outfielder Delmon Young, the first overall pick in 2003, and righthander Matt Garza. But indications were strong on Wednesday that as many as six players could be involved.

In addition to Garza, the Twins would send Tampa Bay shortstop Jason Bartlett and reliever Juan Rincon for Young, shortstop Brendan Harris and outfielder Jason Pridie. Pridie was with the Twins during spring training of 2006 as a Rule 5 pick.

Twins players for several weeks had expected the club to deal for either Young or B.J. Upton.

Young, 22, hit .288 last season with 13 homers and 93 RBI and is considered one of the better young hitters in the game. Harris, 27, hit .286 with 12 homers and 59 RBI.

While surprising, this is actually a safe play for the Twins as they attempt to shore up their outfield with the loss of Torii Hunter. You take a pitcher the casual fan has not seen much of, lacks the buzz of Francisco Liriano and add a young bat to the lineup with a strong outfield arm in the process.

Without being too negative, he has been known to be a little bit of a hothead - not Elijah Dukes hotheaded, but enough to have some baggage - so maybe Minneapolis will mellow him out a bit.

Just to be sure though, the clubhouse attendants might want to make sure that the umpires are reminded to double check their gear before they take to the carpet at the Metrodome.

(Image from: SPTimes.com)

I might have been wrong about the Rays

Where would I be without Red Sox Monster?

I'd be living in the shadows of despair without the pure, unmitigated joy of seeing this clip, that's where.

Maybe the Rays aren't such a bad organization after all. They should start each game with one extra run just for having this guy on the payroll.