Career rebuilt, Detroit's Rogers gets nod for AL

The 41-year-old has gone 11-3, leading the Tigers to baseball's best record.
By TOM WILLIAMS
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
PITTSBURGH -- Leave it to White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen to spice up All-Star festivities.
Monday, the manager of the American League All-Star team named Tigers pitcher Kenny Rogers to start tonight's game at PNC Park.
Until about a year ago, the then-Rangers pitcher was mostly famous for sharing the same name as a popular singer. Then Rogers became infamous for shoving a television cameraman (and being caught on videotape) during a pregame session.
Joining the Tigers in the off-season, the 41-year-old left-hander has compiled an 11-3 record and an earned-run average of 3.85. Rogers' presence has helped surprising Detroit (59-29) reach the All-Star break with the best record in baseball.
"He's the best pitcher in the American League," Guillen said.
Guillen's decision was made a little easier because three of the AL's better starters pitched on Sunday: the White Sox's Jose Contreras (9-0, 3.38), the Twins' Johan Santana (9-5, 2.95) and the Blue Jays' Roy Halladay (12-2, 2.92).
Rogers' previous start was last Wednesday, prompting Guillen to comment on how he's well-rested.
On the other side
National League manager Phil Garner picked the Dodgers' Brad Penny (10-2, 2.91) to throw the game's first pitch. Penny is making his first All-Star appearance and pitched an inning of relief on Sunday.
Garner also named Pirates slugger Jason Bay to bat cleanup.
"Every time somebody's on base, he seems to become an entirely different hitter," Garner said of Bay. "Playing at home, there might be some extra incentive on his part."
Garner, who played second base for the Pirates' 1979 championship team, said he's pleased to be in a city where he has special memories.
"Pittsburgh saw Chuck Tanner's finest hour as a manager," Garner said of the New Castle native who guided the Pirates to their last World Series title. Tanner will throw out Tuesday's ceremonial first pitch.
Garner said he was impressed with how fan voting for the All-Star starters matched the players' selections.
"It's a tribute to the fans that they are paying attention," Garner said.
The Astros manager says the AL's unbeaten streak of nine All-Star Games could be because of pride.
"American League players maybe take it a little more seriously," Garner said. "The talent is equal. The task for us this year is to get that sense of pride together."
Lineups
Guillen's batting lineup has Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki leading off, followed by Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, Red Sox first baseman David Ortiz and Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez.
"I'm cleanup? Cool, I like that," Rodriguez said. "It's all a big thrill, just being here. To wear a major league uniform ... to hit fourth, to play third base, it's all a dream."
The other AL starting position players are Angels left fielder Vladimir Guerrero, Tigers catcher Ivan Rodriguez, Blue Jays center fielder Vernon Wells and Red Sox second baseman Mark Loretta.
For the National League, Nationals left fielder Alfonso Soriano will lead off, followed by Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran, Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols and Bay, who will move over to right field from his customary left.
"Right field doesn't matter," Bay said. "It's outfield -- you catch the ball. It's not like I will be out there for an extended time. Plus there is a lot less ground to cover and I like that."
Braves shortstop Edgar Renteria will bat fifth, followed by Mets third baseman David Wright, Phillies second baseman Chase Utley and Mets catcher Paul Lo Duca.
williams@vindy.com