Jays' Roy Halladay named to all-star roster

Toronto Blue Jay pitcher Roy Halladay has been named to the MLB all-star roster along with a record number of Canadian players.

Los Angeles' Russell Martin, from Chelsea, Que. and Minnesota's Justin Morneau, from New Westminster, B.C., were named reserves on the roster announced Sunday.

Also named to the roster was Chicago Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster, from Gibsons, B.C.

There have never been more than two Canadians in an all-star game. Last year, Martin and Morneau were both starters. Morneau was beaten out of the starting spot at first base this year by Kevin Youkilis.    Larry Walker holds the Canadian record for all-star appearances with five, followed by three each for Ferguson Jenkins and Eric Gagne. Other Canadians who have appeared at the all-star game: Jason Bay, Jeff Heath and George Selkirk.

New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez received the most votes overall after fans submitted votes to elect players to the team. Receiving the most votes in the National League was Philadelphia's second baseman Chase Utley. Fan voting ended Wednesday. 

Manny Ramirez, Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis were elected from the World Series champion Red Sox. Boston's David Ortiz was also voted to start as designated hitter, but will be replaced due to a wrist injury. Taking his place will be the Ranger's Milton Bradley.

Alfonso Soriano, Kosuke Fukudome and rookie catcher Geovany Soto of the Chicago Cubs were also chosen for the starting lineup. Soto is the first rookie catcher to start for NL. Soriano has been out with a broken hand but is a possible starter for the game, scheduled for July 15 at Yankee Stadium.

The final week of voting saw Milwaukee outfielder Ryan Braun overtake Ken Griffey Jr in the last week of voting.

The winning team will get home-field advantage at the World Series.

Starting for the AL: Youkilis at first base, Pedroia at second base, New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, Rodriguez at third base, outfielders Josh Hamilton of Texas, Ichiro Suzuki of Seattle and Ramirez, and Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer.

Reserves: Dioner Navarro, Tampa Bay; Jason Varitek, Boston; Joe Crede, Chicago; Carlos Guillen, Detroit; Ian Kinsler, Texas; Justin Morneau, Minnesota; Michael Young, Texas; J.D. Drew, Boston; Carlos Quentin, Chicago; Grady Sizemore, Cleveland

Starting pitchers: Justin Duchscherer, Oakland; Roy Halladay, Toronto; Scott Kazmir, Tampa Bay; Cliff Lee, Cleveland; Ervin Santana, Los Angeles; Joe Saunders, Los Angeles

Relievers: Joe Nathan, Minnesota; Jonathan Papelbon, Boston; Mariano Rivera, New York; Francisco Rodriguez, Los Angeles; George Sherrill Baltimore; Joakim Soria, Kansas City

Starting for the NL: Houston first baseman Lance Berkman, Utley at second base, Florida shortstop Hanley Ramirez and Atlanta third baseman Chipper Jones, with Soriano, Fukudome and Braun in the outfield. Geovany Soto, Chicago is catching.

Reserves: Russell Martin, Los Angeles; Brian McCann, Atlanta; Adrian Gonzalez, San Diego; Cristian Guzman, Washington; Albert Pujols, St. Louis; Aramis Ramirez, Chicago; Miguel Tejada, Houston; Dan Uggla, Florida; Matt Holliday, Colorado; Ryan Ludwick, St. Louis; Nate McLouth, Pittsburgh

Starting pitchers: Aaron Cook, Colorado; Ryan Dempster, Chicago; Dan Haren, Arizona; Tim Lincecum, San Francisco; Ben Sheets, Milwaukee; Edinson Volquez, Cincinnati; Brandon Webb, Arizona; Brian Wilson, San Francisco; Carlos Zambrano, Chicago

Relievers: Brad Lidge, Philadelphia; Billy Wagner, New York; Kerry Wood, Chicago