"Who's the A's All-Star? Manager Bob Geren, when asked for candidates, listed four and put the most emphasis on Kurt Suzuki.

"I think Suzuki is an All-Star," Geren said. "I think he should've been last year without a doubt."

Closer Andrew Bailey was Oakland's representative last year and could be again in 2010. Last year, American League manager Joe Maddon carried only two catchers (Joe Mauer and Victor Martinez) on his roster. The National League had three.

Maddon's reasoning: All-Star catchers can re-enter in case of an injury.

In many circles, Suzuki is considered the second-best catcher in the league (considering both offense and defense) behind Mauer. This year's manager is New York's Joe Girardi, who could make a push for Jorge Posada."