Farrell: Bogaerts should be in All-Star Game

ARLINGTON -- The Red Sox have no doubt shortstop Xander Bogaerts deserves a second consecutive trip to the 88th All-Star Game presented by Mastercard, and now it's up to Sox fans -- and Cubs fans, too, thanks to a unique alliance between the two teams -- to make sure Bogaerts is on the American League roster in Miami.
Bogaerts is one of five candidates vying for the AL's last roster spot in the 2017 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote. The same holds true for Chicago third baseman Kris Bryant over in the National League, so the two clubs have banded together to try and get both players elected by urging both fanbases to vote for Bogaerts and Bryant.
"It would be nice to be there with all my teammates," said Bogaerts. "It would definitely be nice. I was there last year and it was fun. I would gladly go again."
• Cast your Esurance Final Vote for Bogaerts
Bogaerts was voted in by the fans as the starting shortstop for the AL last season, his first All-Star selection. He was also a Final Vote candidate in 2015 but finished fourth.
:: Complete All-Star Game coverage ::
"It's all controlled by the fans, and we're hoping Xander's representing the Red Sox," Boston manager John Farrell said. "When you look at a .320 hitter, year in and year out, in a really short period of his career -- any time you can attach the words dependable and reliable with the well-above-average production he's contributing with, he's an All-Star in our minds."
Red Sox right fielder Mookie Betts, who will start for the AL, wants Bogaerts to join him in Miami, too.
"He's done great all year," said Betts. "He's been consistent all year, day-in and day-out playing great shortstop. And he's like my brother, too. I obviously want to go there with him."
Asked what his message to fans was, Bogaerts said: "Keep voting. Vote on, vote on, and we'll see what happens at the end of the day. Just keep voting. I appreciate it and may the best one win."
Fans can vote for Bogaerts via text message up to 35 times per phone until Thursday's deadline. To vote for Bogaerts, text A2 to 89269. Message and data rates may apply. Text "STOP" to end and "HELP" for information. Voting ends at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday.
Fans can also show their support for Bogaerts by tweeting with #VoteX, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, any tweet that includes #VoteX will count toward his vote total.
Fans who vote for Bogaerts will also be entered for a chance to win two tickets to a Red Sox game and an autographed Bogaerts jersey.
Bogaerts is in the middle of another strong season this year, batting .314/.366/.455 in 77 games. His .821 OPS is the highest of his career. He is jockeying for the AL Final Vote with Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus, Yankees shortstop Didi Gregorius, Rays first baseman Logan Morrison and Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas.
Bogaerts has been nursing a slight groin strain and was out of the lineup Sunday and Monday, but Farrell said he expected Bogaerts to play Tuesday against the Rangers.

• Interactive map: Where are the votes coming from?
Fans can cast ballots on MLB.com, club sites and mobile devices until Thursday at 4 p.m. ET. The winners, as chosen exclusively by online fan voting totals, will be announced during MLB Tonight, live on MLB Network and MLB.com at 6 p.m. ET on Thursday. Fans can vote for Bogaerts via text message up to 35 times per phone until Thursday's deadline.
Extensive coverage throughout the Final Vote will be provided by MLB Network and MLB.com, including interviews with the candidates, frequent updates, heat maps indicating where votes are being cast for each candidate, news on player and club campaigns, and a running countdown clock leading up to the announcement.
On Tuesday, July 11, at 7:30 p.m. ET, tune in to the 2017 All-Star Game presented by Mastercard live on FOX, and during the game visit MLB.com to submit your choice for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet via the 2017 MLB All-Star Game MVP Vote. The 88th All-Star Game, in Miami, will be televised nationally by FOX, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 160 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB.com, MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.