Stage is set: Twitter voting to count during final four hours of All-Star Game MLB.com Final Vote sponsored by Firestone
Fans may vote via Twitter with designated player hashtags from 12-4 p.m. EDT; Races in fans' hands as balloting ends at 4 p.m. EDT; Follow @MLB for updates
The 2012 All-Star Game MLB.com Final Vote Sponsored by Firestone (#FinalVote) introduces a new element for this year's candidates as the Twitter support from their fans over the last four hours of balloting today will count toward their final vote total. From 12 - 4 p.m. EDT today any tweet that includes a designated player hashtag will be tabulated as part of the overall vote total used to determine the American League and National League winners. Fans may follow @MLB on the popular social networking service for the latest standings updates in advance of the 4 p.m. EDT balloting deadline.
The races in each League have tightened as the All-Star Game MLB.com Final Vote Sponsored by Firestone enters its final hours with more than 40 million votes cast and the expected late flurry of votes forthcoming. The current standings are:
American League
1. Yu Darvish (TEX) - #VoteYu
2. Jake Peavy (CWS) - #TakeJake
3. Jason Hammel (BAL) - #VoteHammel
4. Jonathan Broxton (KC) - #VoteBroxton
5. Ernesto Frieri (LAA) - #VoteFrieri
National League
1. David Freese (STL) - #FreesePlease
2. Bryce Harper (WSH) - #BryceIn12
3. Michael Bourn (ATL) - #VoteBourn
4. Aaron Hill (ARI) - #FinHillVote
Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones was removed from the ballot after he was named to the National League All-Star Team, replacing Matt Kemp of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Fans also can use their mobile phones to vote at MLB.com/vote or via text message. To receive the All-Star Game MLB.com Final Vote Sponsored by Firestone mobile ballot, text the word "VOTE" to 89269. Msg&Data Rates May Apply. Mobile voting in Canada also is available and fans should text their choices to 101010. Std rates may apply.
The 83rd All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX Sports; in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS; and worldwide by partners in more than 200 countries via MLB International's independent feed. Pregame ceremonies will begin at 7:30 p.m. (EDT)/6:30 p.m. (CDT). ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide exclusive national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network, MLB.com and Sirius XM also will provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com or royals.com/asg.