"In a bit of a surprise, the Seattle Mariners had only two players named to the American League All-Star team. Yes, they are in last place in the American League West, but it seemed as though Seattle might get three players on the team this year.

Right fielder Ichiro Suzuki and pitcher Cliff Lee were obvious choices to make the team, however Felix Hernandez was somewhat surprisingly left off the 13-man pitching staff.

"I'm very proud of both Cliff and Ichiro. I think they are both deserving and will do a tremendous job representing the Mariners and the American League," manager Don Wakamatsu said. "Both guys work very hard, every day, on preparing to be successful. It is great to see that recognized from the fans and their peers.

"At the same time, I'm disappointed for Felix. I think he's pitched great, and if we'd given him a little better run support it might have been a different story. I know there are lots of deserving players, but I had hoped he would make it with Cliff and Ichi.""