Black makes pitch for Padres' All-Stars

SAN DIEGO -- Manager Bud Black said he recently had a conversation about the Padres' viable All-Star Game candidates with Cardinals manager Mike Matheny, who will preside over the National League team.

Black wouldn't get into the details of their conversation, but you can be sure he stumped for his guys -- even if some of them didn't need any additional support.

"We have some viable candidates for sure," Black said Saturday before the Padres faced the Giants in the second game of a three-game series at Petco Park.

On Sunday, the Padres -- and the rest of baseball -- will discover who is headed to the All-Star Game as the rosters are announced.

San Diego closer Huston Street, who converted his first 23 save opportunities and had a 0.87 ERA this season before blowing a save in Saturday's 5-3 loss to the Giants, appears to have the best chance, but Black said there are others who merit consideration.

"Joaquin Benoit has [had a good season] and you can make a case for [outfielder Seth Smith] a little bit, too," Black said.

Benoit, in his first season with the team, has a 1.23 ERA in 36 games as the eighth-inning specialist and hasn't allowed a run since May 11, a stretch of 19 scoreless innings.

Smith, who agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $13 million Wednesday, is hitting .278 with nine home runs and 26 RBIs.