Because this year’s 2009 MLB All-Star Game is being played in St. Louis this year, there won’t be a designated hitter. This means that the players who are DH’s will not be on the All-Star ballot that was released today.
Since Kevin Youkilis plays first base for the Boston Red Sox, he is the Sox representative at first base on the ballot while David Ortiz is left off the ballot. You may remember that last year Youk was left off the ballot as Big Papi was the first base representative for the Sox.
There is always the write-in ballot for Big Papi although if you do that, you lose whoever you vote for at first base as I just found out.
Also being snubbed this year from the Red Sox is Julio Lugo who is currently in Pawtucket on a rehab assignment. Jed Lowrie, who is on the DL after undergoing wrist surgery, is listed on the ballot as the shortstop on the Red Sox.
Youkilis heads Sox’s All-Star candidates [redsox.com]
