Invasion! Red Sox All-Stars set to take over Yankee Stadium

NEW YORK — So long, Yankee Stadium. Get ready for an All-Star salute featuring the rival Boston Red Sox.

That's right. Manny Ramirez, Kevin Youkilis and Co. are set to take over The House That Ruth Built. At last check, four Boston players led fan voting at their positions for the July 15 game in New York — and that doesn't even include manager Terry Francona or any of his pitchers.

Just picture it: a row of grinning Red Sox, coming off their latest championship, getting booed furiously while lining up along the first base line as America tunes in for baseball's big tribute to Yankee Stadium in its final season.

Curses! Not exactly what George Steinbrenner had in mind.

But the Yankees figure to be well-represented themselves: Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Mariano Rivera, all preening in pinstripes under the lights.

So, it's time to pick the All-Stars for this extravagant send-off in the South Bronx, where so much history already has been made. Complete with dozens of Hall of Famers who plan to attend, call it a Broadway-caliber cast fit for the grandest stage in sports.

As usual, the choices aren't easy. Chase Utley or Dan Uggla at second base in the National League? Josh Hamilton or Grady Sizemore in center field for the AL?

"I'm really hopeful that this is going to go well. I've got some worries," said Francona, who will help select the American League squad and then manage it from the Yankees' home dugout.

"One of the hard things is because we're a popular team, and our guys are doing well in the voting. Also, I feel like I don't think our other guys should be penalized for that. That's a worry of mine."

The annual debate is part of the fun, though. So is the sight of newcomers such as Tim Lincecum and Carlos Quentin teaming up with old standbys such as Chipper Jones and Roy Halladay.

But roster space is limited. Each squad gets 32 spots, with 12 reserved for pitchers. And every club must be represented — including the Washington Nationals.

The AL has found a winning formula lately, going 10-0-1 since the National League last won in 1996 at Philadelphia's old Veterans Stadium.

"We're making sure we're doing our homework," NL manager Clint Hurdle of the Colorado Rockies said. "Who knows if you'll ever be in this position again? So I'm having a blast."

The teams will be revealed today, and the league that wins will get home-field advantage in the World Series again.

Starting with the AL:

First Base — Youkilis edges out Yankees slugger Jason Giambi for the start, thanks to splendid defense. It would be Youkilis' first All-Star selection, and Giambi's first invitation since 2004. RBI machine Justin Morneau of the Minnesota Twins also earns a bid.

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