All Star Break Notes

Charlie Manuel announced his starting lineup for the National League all star team this morning. Here's a glance at the lineup...

Hanley Ramirez SS
Chase Utley 2B
Albert Pujols 1B
Ryan Braun RF
Raul Ibanez LF
David Wright 3B
Shane Victorino CF
Yadier Molina C
Tim Lincecum P

Don't be surprised to see Manuel remove Ryan Braun from the game around the 3rd of 4th inning, to substitute Jayson Werth into the game in order to play the three starting Phillies outfielders in the game, at once, for an inning or two.

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In the MLB Futures Game on Sunday in St. Louis, Reading Phillies pitchers Yohan Flande and Kyle Drabek each threw a scoreless inning...Flande for the World Team, Drabek for the USA Team. Click here for some video highlights of both pitchers in the All Star Futures Game. Click here for PhoulBallz.com's exclusive interview with Kyle Drabek.

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The Phillies completed a 9-1 homestand on Sunday with a sweep of the Pirates. Over the 10 games stretch, the Phillies outscored their opponents 66-27. Pedro Feliz's grand slam on Sunday was the Phillies' 7th of 2009. In 2007 and 2008 combined the Phillies only hit 6 total.

The Phillies enter the All Star Break with a record 10 games over .500. Last year, the team was just 8 games over .500. They also enjoy a full 4 game lead over the 2nd place team, the Marlins. The Phillies' first place lead over the nearest team last year, at the All Star Break, was only a half game.

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There is still plenty of chatter about the Phillies and Pedro Martinez. Reports have Martinez flying to Philadelphia during the All Star Break to meet with team doctors for a physical examination. Once the exam is passed, the Phillies are expected to sign Pedro. Click here for Todd Zolecki's latest article on the situation.

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