Not since the end of the Oakland Athletics' dynasty of the 1970s have this many A's made the American League's All-Star roster. No fewer than six players on the A's squad are heading to the 85th All-Star Game in Minneapolis on July 15. It's seven if you count newcomer Jeff Samardzija, who made the National League team for the Cubs but is ineligible to play because of the recent trade to Oakland.
Third baseman Josh Donaldson earned a starting nod, it was announced Sunday night, and he's joined by left-hander Scott Kazmir, reliever Sean Doolittle, outfielder Yoenis Cespedes, catcher Derek Norris and slugger Brandon Moss. Such a contingent makes sense, given that Oakland also boasts the best record in the major leagues. Not since 1975, when Reggie Jackson and Vida Blue led a group of seven A's All-Stars, had the franchise sent this many players to the midsummer classic.
Here are the complete rosters as of Sunday night.
The Milwaukee Brewers lead the NL with four All-Stars: Carlos Gomez is starting in the outfield, and Aramis Ramirez at third base, with Francisco Rodriguez going as a relief pitcher and Jonathan Lucroy as a backup catcher. Fans voted three Baltimore Orioles into the AL's starting lineup: Nelson Cruz at designated hitter, Adam Jones in the outfield and catcher Matt Wieters, who is hurt and has been replaced by Salvador Perez of the Kansas City Royals.
The New York Yankees are sending three All-Stars to Target Field, most notably shortstop Derek Jeter.* It's Jeter's 14th All-Star appearance, and it comes in his final major league season. He's joined by right-handers Masahiro Tanaka and Dellin Betances.
In all, 26 of the 66 players announced Sunday are first-time All-Star selections.
Voting for the final All-Star spots already is underway. Left-hander Chris Sale of the White Sox, along with first baseman Justin Morneau of the Colorado Rockies (also a former Minnesota Twins player), would seem to be the favorites.
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David Brown is an editor for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter!Follow @AnswerDave