Newcomers highlight Padres' All-Star Game ballot
Norris, Middlebrooks, Myers, Upton and Kemp hope to represent San Diego
SAN DIEGO -- The Padres are well-represented on the first All-Star Game ballot, especially the newcomers that first-year general manager A.J. Preller brought in to bolster the team's offense from a year ago.
Eight Padres are on the All-Star ballot, including newcomers catcher Derek Norris, third baseman Will Middlebrooks and outfielders Justin Upton, Wil Myers and Matt Kemp.
Incumbents such as first baseman Yonder Alonso, second baseman Jedd Gyorko and shortstop Alexi Amarista are also on the ballot.
Kemp (2011-12), Upton ('09, '11) and Norris ('14) are no strangers to the All-Star Game.
Kemp and Upton have gotten off to fast start for the Padres. Kemp was hitting .345 in his first 21 games, while Upton had a team-best five home runs in his first 20 games.
Fans can cast their votes for starters at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- on their computers, tablets and smartphones -- using the 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Ballot until Thursday, July 2, at 11:59 p.m. ET. For the first time, voting is exclusively online, where fans may submit up to 35 ballots.
Fans may also receive the ballot by texting VOTE to 89269 (USA) or 101010 (Canada). Or text VOTA for a ballot in Spanish. Message and data rates may apply. Up to five messages. No purchase required. Reply STOP to cancel. Reply HELP for info.
Following the announcement of the 2015 All-Stars, be sure to return to MLB.com and cast your 2015 Esurance MLB All-Star Game Final Vote for the final player for each league's All-Star roster. On Tuesday, July 14, watch the 2015 All-Star Game 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 2015 MLB All-Star Game MVP Vote.
MLB.com will provide extensive online coverage of All-Star Week festivities.
The 86th All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX, 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.