"When asked if his selection to the All-Star Game as a NL starting outfielder was a sign of vindication or validation, Cardinals switch-hitter Lance Berkman paused.

"That may be a little melodramatic," he said.

Berkman was the lone Cardinal selected as a starter for the All-Star Game that will take place later this month in Phoenix. Outfielder Matt Holliday and catcher Yadier Molina were selected by their peers as reserves for the NL All-Star team.

Albert Pujols, once a leading vote-getter overall in the NL, was not chosen by the fans, players or the manager for the team.

Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Prince Fielder rode a late internet-voting surge to the starting job at first base ahead of Pujols. Cincinnati first baseman Joey Votto and Florida first baseman Gaby Sanchez were also selected for the team. Votto also finished with more fan votes than Pujols, who is on the disabled list with a fractured left wrist.

Fielder received 4.8 million fan votes, Votto got 4.3 milliona and Pujols finished third at the position with 4.2 million.

"It's always a very big honor and something as a player you get excited about and are appreciative of," Holliday said. "If you have an All-Star first half, you're usually doing pretty well. It's a goal that I would think most guys set out to achieve. It's nice.""