It would mean a lot -- the hard work paid off. If I do happen to start, it will make up for the fact I didn’t even make it to the field last year.” - Tim Lincecum, who missed last year’s All-Star game due to illness, would love to start for the National League this year. He extended his career-best scoreless streak to 23 innings in a 9-0 win over the Astros on Saturday. The All-Star rosters will be announced today at 1 p.m. ET.
“Johnny and I have a great relationship. I’m glad he called and apologized. I’ve always respected his opinion. But he’s not in here on a day-to-day basis, so he can’t really know what’s going on.”
- David Wright acknowledges John Franco’s apology. The former Mets closer questioned Wright’s leadership in an interview with Sirius XM last week.
“Give the young man a chance. I know he’s struggled, but let’s give him a chance. He’s done it in the past, and there’s no reason he can’t get it done now. Let’s not look at this every at-bat, every game. Let’s sit back and watch this and see what happens.”
- Lou Pinella has some supportive words for Alfonso Soriano. Moved to sixth in the batting order, Soriano is hitless over his last four games to drop his batting average to a season-low .223.
“We just want him right when he comes back. As long as he feels good, that’s all that matters. It’s hard to predict. We just gotta wait and see how he’s doing. If that means a couple of extra days, it’s another couple of days.”
- Ron Washington comments on Josh Hamilton’s rehab. He is 2-for-20 in a four-game rehab stint and could join the Rangers this week. The slugger underwent successful surgery on a torn abdominal muscle on June 9.
“You hate to put labels on guys, but he has a chance to be someone very special.”
- David Eckstein thinks rookie shortstop Everth Cabrera has the goods. The 22-year-old was 2-for-3 with three RBI, including a go-ahead RBI single, in a 7-4 win over the Dodgers on Saturday. Cabrera is batting .306 with eight RBI, four stolen bases and 14 runs scored in his first 62 major-league at bats. He was a Rule 5 selection from the Rockies organization in December.