The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
62°F
Current Conditions
Overcast clouds
View complete weather report
Subscribe now

Baseball notebook: Longoria laps Rodriguez

Evan Longoria is the fans’ choice for A.L. third baseman. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
Associated Press
Evan Longoria is the fans’ choice for A.L. third baseman. (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)

Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria leads all American League players in fan voting for All-Star spots, more than doubling the total of perennial starter Alex Rodriguez.

Longoria had received 1,036,071 votes in results released Tuesday. New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter drew the second-most votes in the A.L., followed by Texas second baseman Ian Kinsler and Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer.

Rodriguez has been the overall top vote-getter in the last two All-Star elections. The Yankees’ star has received 428,690 votes, trailing Longoria and Texas’ Michael Young at third base.

Also leading at their positions are Boston first baseman Kevin Youkilis, and outfielders Jason Bay of Boston, Josh Hamilton of Texas and Ichiro Suzuki of Seattle.

No saving Tiger

What remains of historic Tiger Stadium will be demolished after the city of Detroit rejected a $33.4 million proposal by a nonprofit group to preserve and renovate the old ballpark.

The Economic Development Corp. board voted 7-1 to authorize the complete demolition of the stadium.

Hamilton hampered

Texas outfielder Josh Hamilton went on the disabled list with an abdominal strain that could sideline him from two weeks to two months.

Hamilton is hitting .240 with six homers and 24 RBIs after a breakout season in 2008, when he batted .304 with 32 homers and 130 RBIs.

Clearing the bases

Milwaukee right-hander David Riske underwent reconstructive surgery on his right elbow. He will be sidelined the rest of this year and likely some or all of 2010. … Cincinnati pitcher Edinson Volquez went back on the 15-day disabled list with tendinitis in his right elbow, a day after he lasted only one inning in his first start off the DL. … Washington catcher Jesus Flores has been diagnosed with a stress fracture of a bone in his right shoulder and his season is in jeopardy. … Kansas City reinstated closer Joakim Soria and shortstop Tony Pena Jr. from the 15-day disabled list. Also, the Royals placed Sidney Ponson (right elbow strain) on the 15-day D.L.