Fans to determine tight races in final week of Monster 2008 All-Star Game online ballot exclusively on MLB.com

NEW YORK -- Joe Mauer or Jason Varitek? Hanley Ramirez or Miguel Tejada? Dustin Pedroia or Ian Kinsler? Ken Griffey Jr. or Ryan Braun? Kevin Youkilis or Justin Morneau? Ichiro or Vlad Guerrero? These are the tightest races for starting position players in the 2008 All-Star Game that will be determined in the final days of fan voting via the Monster® All-Star Game Online Ballot exclusively on MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball. With the in-stadium balloting program now closed for 29 clubs and the majority of races too close to call, fans can cast their final votes for the starting lineups exclusively on MLB.com through 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on Wednesday, July 2.

Through last night, MLB.com has recorded nearly 130 million votes in online balloting for the 17 starting position players. With an expected average of 6-8 million votes being cast per day at MLB.com over the final week, fans will significantly impact which players will be honored as All-Star starters for the 79th Midsummer Classic at Yankee Stadium on July 15.

In-stadium balloting officially closes this weekend at the conclusion of the Chicago Cubs-Chicago White Sox Interleague Play series at U.S. Cellular Field.