The All-Star rosters were announced by Major League Baseball on Sunday. Here are few notes of interest:

REDS - Closer Francisco Cordero gets the nod and is the team's lone representative. The right-hander will be making his third trip to the mid-summer classic. He made it in 2004 as a Texas Ranger and then again while playing for the Brewers in 2007. There was speculation that Johnny Cueto would be the choice from the team, but a deep pool of starters and Cordero's solid numbers (20 of 21 save conversions) made the veteran the pick.

PUJOLS TO VOTE GETTER - The NL MVP is well on his way to another amazing year, leading the majors with 31 homers and 82 RBIs. He collected 5,397,374 votes to finish with the second-highest total in history, trailing only Ken Griffey Jr.'s six million votes in 1994. Pujols has made the NL team eight times in nine seasons and will be making his sixth start.

WAKEFIELD FINALLY GETS NOD - Starter Tim Wakefield made his first All-Star roster in his 17th season, one of a major league-high six Red Sox headed to Busch Stadium for the July 14 game. The 42-year-old right-hander is tied for the big league lead with 10 wins.

LEFT OUT - Dodgers outfielder Manny Ramirez and Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, both 12-time All-Stars, weren't expected to make the rosters, but their absence was compelling nonetheless. Ramirez was suspended for the first 50 games of the season for violating MLB's drug policy and A-Rod missed time following hip surgery after admitting in spring training to using steroids when he played for the Rangers.

FINAL VOTE - The 2009 All-Star Game Sprint Final Vote on MLB.com will determine the 33rd N.L. roster spot, a competition that will feature shortstop Cristian Guzman of the Nationals, outfielder Matt Kemp of the Dodgers, third baseman Mark Reynolds of the D-backs, third baseman Pablo Sandoval of the Giants and outfielder Shane Victorino of the Phillies. Fans can now begin voting to select the final player for each League's 33-man roster via the 2009 All-Star Game Sprint Final Vote on MLB.com, casting their votes from a list of five players from each League over a four-day period. In the A.L. third baseman Chone Figgins of the Angels, third baseman Brandon Inge of the Tigers, second baseman Ian Kinsler of the Rangers, outfielder Adam Lind of the Blue Jays, and first baseman Carlos Peña of the Rays will be competing for the final spot.

COMPLETE ALL-STAR ROSTERS

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The Boston Red Sox entered Sunday sporting the American League's best record (33-23). 

They are loaded with quality starters - Josh Beckett, Jon Lester, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Tim Wakefield, and Brad Penny.

Now, even more help could be on the way as 42-year old veteran John Smoltz is nearing a return from shoulder surgery. Following his six-inning, 74-pitch outing for Triple-A Pawtucket on Saturday, the 42-year-old is now scheduled to start on Thursday in Syracuse. From there, there’s a chance — and seemingly a strong one at that — that Smoltz could be ready for a return to the majors.

Smoltz threw 51 of 74 pitches for strikes, walked two and struck out three. He topped out at 91 mph on the McCoy Stadium radar gun and retired the last 10 batters he faced.

The Red Sox believe that Smoltz is now in the phase of his recovery when he is preparing for the specific circumstances of at-bats and outings, rather than simply trying to regain health following his shoulder surgery last June.

“He’s excited and he’s getting closer and closer, you can see it,” said Sox manager Terry Francona. “He’s not rehabbing so much anymore. He’s trying to attack hitters and make pitches and talk about how he gets reaction to his split and things like that, which is good to hear.”

In addition to Smoltz getting close, Boston also has prospect Clay Buchholz tearing it up right now in the minors. He's 3-0 with a 1.47 ERA for Triple-A Pawtucket through nine starts and 55 innings pitched and has allowed just nine earned runs.

All that depth is a good thing and wouldn't make it a surprise to see Boston dangle Brad Penny to get some help on offense, particularly at shortstop where the team has struggled.

Smoltz was an ace before the shoulder and despite his age, he appears to be capable and determined to get back and be a factor. It would not be a bit surprising to see him make an impact.

Fantasy Baseball, MLB red sox, john smoltz, josh beckett, jon lester, daisuke matsuzaka, tim wakefield, brad penny, clay buchholz

The Tampa Bay Rays dropped Game 1 of the ALCS at home, leaving some to think that their magical run would end right here. They had a great season, but seemingly experience would prevail here and the Red Sox would once again come out on top. However, after surviving a marathon game on Saturday night to tie the best-of-seven-series at 1-1 the Rays took the lead with a statement victory on Monday as the series made it to Fenway as they prevailed 9-1.

The Rays, in winning their major-league-most 102nd game, now lead the series 2-1, with the pitching matchup of Andy Sonnanstine against Tim Wakefield in their favor for Game 4 tonight and history on their side as 13 of the 18 teams leading a best-of-seven ALCS 2-1 have advanced.

They have regained the homefield advantage they lost when dropping the opener on Friday at Tropicana Field.

And they have ensured there will be more baseball at the Trop this season, either a Game 6 and possibly 7 of the ALCS this weekend, or the opening game of the World Series on Oct. 22.

The Sox do have the experience and the institutional knowledge of coming back from bigger deficits in past years — 3-0 against the Yankees in '04 and 3-1 to the Indians last year — and the Rays are appropriately wary.

SCHEDULE 

ALCS
Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Game One - Boston 2, Tampa Bay 0
Game Two - Tampa Bay 9, Boston 8 (11 innings)
Game Three - Tampa Bay 9, Boston 1
Game Four - Tue, Oct. 14th - Tampa Bay at Boston, 8:07 p.m.
Game Five - Thu, Oct. 16th - Tampa Bay at Boston, 8:07 p.m.
*Game Six - Sat, Oct. 18th - Boston at Tampa Bay, 4:37 p.m.
*Game Seven - Sun, Oct. 19th - Boston at Tampa Bay, 8:07 p.m.
(Tampa Bay leads best-of-seven series, 2-1)
 
NLCS
Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Philadelphia Phillies
Game One - Philadelphia 3, Los Angeles 2
Game Two - Philadelphia 8, Los Angeles 5
Game Three - Los Angeles 7, Philadelphia 2
Game Four - Philadelphia 7, Los Angeles 5
Game Five - Wednesday, October 15th - Philadelphia at Los Angeles, 8:22 p.m.
*Game Six - Friday, October 17th - Los Angeles at Philadelphia, 8:22 p.m.
*Game Seven - Saturday, October 18th - Los Angeles at Philadelphia, 8:22 p.m.
(Philadelphia leads best-of-seven series, 3-1)

MLB alcs, rays, red sox, matt garza, andy sonnanstine, tim wakefield

From the Boston Globe:

Red Sox manager Terry Francona introduced new information about Josh Beckett - indicating the right-hander has had inflammation in his right elbow.

That coupled with sleeping on the arm has created the tingling and numbness which he experienced in his last start last Sunday at Fenway. It was the first time in this process the media had heard the word inflammation.

According to Francona, Beckett will now be pushed back to next Friday against the Chicago White Sox at Fenway to give him extra time and to be on the safe side. Tim Wakefield will be activated disabled list and pitch Tuesday in New York.

Francona said after talking to pitching coach John Farrell they decided to take an "overly-cautious" approach. Francona said Beckett wants to pitch, but seemed to be on board.

****
FANTASY TAKE: Wakefield is worth a flyer if you can add him and is likely to be a two-start candidate in the upcoming stat week. For Beckett owners and Red Sox' fans alike, you better keep your fingers crossed.

Fantasy Baseball, MLB red sox, josh beckett, terry francona, tim wakefield

STUDS OF THE WEEK
At least Carlos Lee's owners were treated to an amazing week before possibly losing their star slugger for the season to a broken pinkie. He mustered 12 hits in his 23 at bats leading up to the injury on Saturday, including 3 HRs and 11 RBIs. Daisuke Matsuzaka threw his longest outing of the season on Saturday night to beat the White Sox. Over his past two starts he is 2-0 with 14 IP, 1.93 ERA, and 0.93 WHIP. Add to that 15 K's and Dice-K made his owners very happy!

DUDS OF THE WEEK
The All-Star game seems much longer than a month ago, at least for Aaron Cook. The Rockies' starter got shelled again on Saturday night, allowing allowed six runs on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings. Cook has a 7.36 ERA in his last three starts and looks like himself again. So much for Adam Dunn stepping up with Griffey out. In his first full week of playing without Junior in his career, Dunn batted .154 and struck out 9 times in 28 plate appearences while failing to drive in a single run.

KEY INJURIES
Carlos Lee (finger) - might be out for the season
Ryan Braun (back) - day-to-day; did not play again on SUN
Orlando Hudson (wrist) - had season-ending surgery
Joba Chamberlain (shoulder) - best case is a late-August return
Carl Crawford (hand) - placed on 15-day DL on Sunday
Tim Wakefield (shoulder) - expected to be headed to DL
Billy Wagner (forearm) - eligbible to return on 8/18
Brad Lidge (shoulder) - risky play for Fantasy Week 20
Rick Ankiel (abdominal) - has been unable to play field
Evan Longoria (wrist) - didn't see action on Sunday and a bit of a risk

TWICE AS NICE
Here are some two-start pitchers to consider this week:

AL
Must-starts:
Josh Beckett - @CHW (John Danks), TOR (Shaun Marcum)
Scott Kazmir - @OAK (Gio Gonzalez), @TEX (Tommy Hunter)
Justin Verlander – TOR (Shaun Marcum), BAL (Dennis Sarfate)

Sleeper Picks:
Javier Vazquez – KC (Brian Bannister), @OAK (Gio Gonzalez)
Glen Perkins – NYY (Sidney Ponson), SEA (R.A. Dickey)

NL
Must-Starts:
Johan Santana – @WAS (Odalis Perez), @PIT (Jeff Karstens)
Tim Lincecum - @HOU (Roy Oswalt), @ATL (Chuck James)
Cole Hamels - @LAD (Clayton Kershaw), @SD (Cha Baek)

Sleeper Picks:
Chris Volstad – STL (Kyle Lohse), CHC (Rich Harden)
Anibal Sanchez – STL (Joel Pineiro), CHC (Ryan Dempster)

WAIVER WATCH (from leagues played at CBSSports.com)
Five most added:
SP Jeff Karstens (+43% roster change)
SP Eddie Guardado (+40%)
OF Denard Span (+21%)
SP Kerry Wood (+21%)
SP Clayton Kershaw (+21%)

Five most dropped (non-injured):
SP Dana Eveland (-19%)
RP Brandon Morrow (-12%)
1B Jeff Baker (-12%)
RP Huston Street (-8%)
SP Clay Buchholz(-8%)

GAMES PLAYED
Let's take a look at how many games each team will be playing this week:

AL
7: BAL, BOS, CHW, CLE, DET, TOR
6: KC, MIN, NYY, OAK, TB, TEX
5: LAA, SEA

NL
7: FLA, HOU, LAD, MIL, NYM, PHI, PIT, SF, STL, WAS
6: ARI, ATL, CHC, CIN, COL, SD

Fantasy Baseball carlos lee, daisuke matsuzaka, adam dunn, aaron cook, ryan braun, orlando hudson, joba chamberlain, carl crawford, tim wakefield, billy wagner, brad lidge, rick ankiel, evan longoria, josh beckett, scott kazmir, justin verlander, javier vazquez, glen perkins, johan santana, tim lincecum, cole hamels, chris volstad, anibal sanchez, jeff karstens, eddie guardado, denard span, kerry wood, dana eveland, brandon morrow, jeff baker, huston street, clay buchholz

Few teams can match the pitching depth of the defending World Champion Boston Red Sox, but even Boston can ill afford to lose a pitcher the caliber of 20-game winner Josh Beckett.

Beckett, who has been dealing with back pain this Spring, left Saturday's schedule start before the game even began after loosing his footing on his first warm-up pitch. The team is hoping that the injury is minor and just spasms rather than a much more serious injury such as a bad disk.

"I think everyone holds their collective breath and is hoping that the severity of this is manageable," Red Sox pitching John Farrell told the Boston Globe. "Obviously missing a start today is short term, but again, it’s too early to speculate when he’d be on the mound next."

Boston's Potential Rotation Candidates
Josh Beckett
Daisuke Matsuzaka
Tim Wakefield
Jon Lester
Clay Buchholz
Bartolo Colon-(minor-league contract)
Curt Schilling-(shoulder injury - expected to be out until at least All-Star Break)

MLB red sox, josh beckett, daisuke matsuzaka, tim wakefield, jon lester, clay buchholz, bartolo colon, curt schilling, john farrell