Monday, July 7, 2008
NY Times: Red Sox and Cubs Have 7 All-Stars Each
Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Mariano Rivera will represent the Yankees, who are so friendly with the Red Sox that Francona will share the office of Yankees Manager Joe Girardi, who will be one of his coaches.
“Some of my better friends in life are in that clubhouse,” Rodriguez said, referring to the Red Sox. “For three or four days, we’re going to be good friends and teammates.”
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Francona said he regretted not being able to take Mussina and Boston third baseman Mike Lowell. But he did not object to the mandate that every team be represented.“I understand it, and I think it’s good for the game,” Francona said. “I guess I wish you could pick 37 or 38 guys. It’s like the N.C.A.A. tournament—they don’t come out and say it’s the best 64. It makes our decisions a little more complicated, but I don’t think it’s a bad rule.”
Mussina was asked to replace an injured player before the 2006 All-Star Game, but he declined the invitation because his son was having his tonsils removed. This time, he plans to attend the Lycoming County Fair in Hughesville, Pa., for the first time in years. Francona would probably be wise not to bother him.
“If he calls me and I’m at the tractor pull,” Mussina said, “I’ll probably stay at the tractor pull.”
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