"Jered Weaver downplayed his excitement recently but when his All-Star selection was made official Sunday, some gentle prodding by reporters brought out his enthusiasm.

"Growing up as a kid and you've got a bat in your hand and you're like, 'I'm Mark McGwire' or 'I'm Ken Griffey Jr.,' " Weaver said. "All little kids (that) play baseball watch the All-Star Game and dream to be there one day."

Weaver and Angels teammate Howie Kendrick were picked for the July 12 game at Chase Field in Phoenix while Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp and pitcher Clayton Kershaw were first-time selections to the All-Star team, which was announced Sunday.

Weaver (Simi Valley High) watched the selection show with his parents, Dave and Gail, his fiancee and friends. There wasn't much question about his All-Star merit given his 10-4 record and 1.92 ERA. He acknowledged how special it was in this, his sixth season.

"It's kind of weird to think about it," he said. "It seems like just yesterday I was in high school or playing in college. It's pretty cool I've come full circle."

Unlike his first All-Star Game last season, Weaver will play this time around and has a good chance to start for the American League. Weaver was ineligible to play last year's All-Star Game at Angel Stadium because he had pitched the previous Sunday.

Detroit's Justin Verlander could suffer the same fate because he is scheduled to pitch Sunday."