And in the NL:

First Base — Houston switch-hitter Lance Berkman is having a huge season. He could make a run at the Triple Crown if Jones’ average drops. St. Louis slugger Albert Pujols can start at DH. San Diego’s Adrian Gonzalez and Chicago’s Derrek Lee also make it at a power-packed position that leaves no room for Mark Teixeira, Prince Fielder or Conor Jackson. Ryan Howard has a ton of homers and RBIs, but a ton of strikeouts as well.

Second Base — By a slim margin, Utley (Philadelphia) tops Uggla (Florida) to earn the start. Both are MVP contenders, too.

Shortstop — One of the game’s most talented performers, Hanley Ramirez of the Marlins is the clear choice here for his first All-Star appearance. New York Mets speedster Jose Reyes claims a backup role.

Third Base — Jones (Atlanta) flirted with a .400 batting average for much of the first half. His backups are New York’s David Wright and Chicago’s Aramis Ramirez.

Catcher — Brian McCann of the Braves gets the No. 1 spot with two players behind him: Cubs rookie Geovany Soto and Russell Martin of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Outfield — Another surprising group. Pat Burrell of the Phillies starts in left, with Pittsburgh’s Nate McLouth in center and St. Louis’ Ryan Ludwick in right. On the bench are Colorado’s Matt Holliday, Pittsburgh’s Jason Bay and Houston’s Carlos Lee.

Starting Pitchers — Cincinnati’s Edinson Volquez (10-3, 2.24 ERA) won at Yankee Stadium last month and barely beats out Lincecum (San Francisco) for starting honors. The rest of the staff features Arizona teammates Brandon Webb and Dan Haren, Milwaukee ace Ben Sheets, Rockies workhorse Aaron Cook, Philadelphia lefty Cole Hamels and Chicago right-hander Carlos Zambrano — as long as he’s healthy. If not, his spot goes to Cubs teammate Ryan Dempster. Kyle Lohse of the Cardinals was difficult to omit.

Relievers — Phillies closer Brad Lidge is joined in the bullpen by Chicago’s Kerry Wood, Washington’s Jon Rauch and Mets lefty Billy Wagner.

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