Stanton looks to get bat, All-Star bid going

MIAMI -- A year ago, Giancarlo Stanton received the jersey, but he was unable to enjoy the experience.

Stanton was the Marlins' lone All-Star selection in 2012, but he never made the trip to Kansas City due to an injury.

The day before the power-hitting right fielder was to participate in the Home Run Derby, he underwent surgery to remove bone fragments from his right knee.

So while the Midsummer Classic was taking place, Stanton was in Miami recovering from a procedure that caused him to miss about a month as well as the All-Star festivities.

The 2013 All-Star Game is set for July 16 at Citi Field in New York, and Stanton is hopeful of some better fortune.

The All-Star voting process is about to begin, and Stanton headlines eight Miami position players who are on the ballot. Also on the ballot are catcher Rob Brantly, first baseman Casey Kotchman, second baseman Donovan Solano, shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria, third baseman Placido Polanco and outfielders Juan Pierre, Chris Coghlan and Stanton.

Although Stanton is off to slow start, the 23-year-old is among the more imposing threats in the game.

"We've got to get him going, he's such a big part of this lineup," manager Mike Redmond has said.

Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- online or via your mobile device -- using the 2013 All-Star Game MLB.com Ballot until July 4 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Fans may submit 25 online ballots during the voting period, but can also earn a one-time bonus of 10 additional online ballots. To access these additional online ballots, you must be logged into your MLB.com account when you submit any online ballot. If you do not have an MLB.com account, visit mlb.com and register in accordance with the enrollment instructions for a free MLB.com account.

The names on the ballot represent the Marlins' starting position players on their Opening Day lineup. Coghlan was in center field that day, but since then, Justin Ruggiano has played a majority of the time in center field.

Those wishing to vote for Ruggiano are encouraged to do so as a write-in choice.

Kotchman also is on the ballot, but the veteran strained his left hamstring in the second game, and he's been on the disabled list since. And last week, Hechavarria went on the DL with a bruised right elbow.

Voting at Marlins Park will get under way on Thursday, when the Marlins open a four-game set against the Cubs. Ballots will be collected at the ballpark in Miami through June 14.

Fans can also once again participate in the Home Run Derby Fan Poll. Fans will have the opportunity to select three players in each league who they would most like to see participate in the Home Run Derby. The 2013 Home Run Derby -- part of Gatorade All-Star Workout Day -- will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Radio in the United States beginning at 8 p.m. ET on July 15.

Among the strongest players in the game, Stanton was set to compete in the Home Run Derby a year ago, and he is a logical choice for fans to consider once again.

The 2013 American League and National League All-Star teams will be unveiled on July 7 on the 2013 MLB All-Star Game Selection Show, televised nationally on TBS. Baseball fans around the world will then be able to select the final player on each team via the All-Star Game Final Vote sponsored by freecreditscore.com on MLB.com.

And the voting doesn't end there. The final phase of All-Star Game voting will again have fans participating in the official voting for the Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet. During the Midsummer Classic, fans will vote exclusively online at MLB.com via the 2013 All-Star Game MLB.com MVP Vote, and their voice will represent 20 percent of the official vote determining the recipient of the Arch Ward Trophy.

This will be the first All-Star Game for Citi Field. Come to MLB.com for extensive online coverage of the All-Star Week festivities.

The 84th 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. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network and SiriusXM will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com.

Arguably the most deserving Marlins player this year is Polanco, who is off to a terrific start. The 37-year-old has offered production and experience to a youthful squad.