In brief: Hamilton leads All-Stars

MLB: Slugger Josh Hamilton (pictured) led seven Texas players chosen for the All-Star game, while three San Francisco Giants rallied in the final week of fan voting to claim starting spots.

Washington fastballer Stephen Strasburg and Mets knuckleballer R.A. Dickey also were among the 66 players chosen Sunday for the All-Star game July 10 in Kansas City.

Atlanta veteran Chipper Jones, who plans to retire after this season, and Nationals teen Bryce Harper were left off — for now, anyway. They are among five candidates for the last N.L. spot, with fans able to vote online through Thursday.

Hamilton drew a record total of more than 11 million votes to start in the A.L. outfield, along with Texas teammates Adrian Beltre at third base and Mike Napoli at catcher. Catcher Buster Posey — the top N.L. vote-getter— outfielder Melky Cabrera and third baseman Pablo Sandoval from San Francisco overcame deficits to get starting spots.

Complete list of All-Stars, Page B5

Associated Press

Kemp picks derby squad

MLB: Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp has asked Carlos Beltran, Carlos Gonzalez and Giancarlo Stanton to join him on the N.L. side for the All-Star home run derby.

Kemp is on the disabled list because of a strained left hamstring. He is unlikely to play in the game, but is the N.L. captain for the derby.

A.L. captain Robinson Cano will announce his derby squad today.

Associated Press

Palaniuk takes second place

Fishing: Rathdrum native Brandon Palaniuk, the leader after three days, finished in second place at the Bassmaster Green Bay (Wis.) Challenge on Lake Michigan with a four-day catch of 76 pounds, 12 ounces of smallmouth bass.

Palaniuk, 24, took home $25,500 for his runner-up finish, his second top-2 result this season.

Associated Press