Three Tigers Named 2009 MLB All-Stars

Photos by: Charles Rex Arbogast/AP

[via MLive.com] Detroit Tigers pitchers Edwin Jackson and Justin Verlander were named to the American League All-Star team today along with center fielder Curtis Granderson. Third baseman Brandon Inge is among five players vying for one spot in on-line balloting by fans.

Detroit has not had multiple pitchers selected since 1985, when closer Guillermo “Willie” Hernandez and starters Jack Morris and Dan Petry were taken.

It was the first selection for Granderson and Jackson, while Verlander was named in 2007. Inge also would be a first-time All-Star if selected. Fans can vote at tigers.com or mlb.com through 4 p.m. Thursday, July 9.

Here’s a direct link to the online All-Star voting

“It would mean the world to me,” Inge said prior to today’s game, before the picks were announced. “I’d be very appreciative of all the coaches in the past and present and all the teammates who have helped me.

“It would be a sense of accomplishment that I’d never had before.”

A scout attending today’s game here with the Minnesota Twins said, “If I had a vote, I’d have Inge on the team. He’s been great in every way.”

Inge is batting .269, but is considered one of the best gloves in the game and leads Detroit with 52 RBIs while sharing the home run lead with 18.

Granderson (.255, 18 homers, 43 RBIs) was somewhat of a surprise pick, while Jackson (6-4, 2.59 ERA) and Verlander (8-4, 3.54) were top contenders for the squad.