The stage is set for MLB baseball’s midsummer classic.

As boring as baseball has been this 2008 MLB baseball season, their midseason All-Star break will still come at you with full force whether you like it or not. After all, these guys have to do something to take our minds away from all the steroid issues surrounding their stars right?

And when the 2008 MLB All-Star Weekend gets here, those stars will be featured, with or without the use of steroids. Hopefully, stars that get the invite for the midsummer extravaganza won’t have to since this event won’t be as competitive as a regular season game anyway.

So who got the invite?

The 2008 MLB All-Stars were named last Sunday (well some of them anyway…) and it was no surprise that four of the defending champions Boston Red Sox were selected for the American League All-Stars led by team captain Manny Ramirez.

Ramirez will be joined by Red Sox teammates David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis. However, as great as it would be seeing ‘Big Papi’ in action, Ortiz will be forced to miss the All-Star game with an injured wrist.

Red Sox rivals, the New York Yankees, also have their own stars selected to represent the American League. Yankees team captain Derek Jeter leads the Yankee All-Stars. Yup, Jeter. Did you thought otherwise?

Joining Jeter in the American League All-Star team is slugger Alex Rodriguez and probably the best closer in baseball, Mariano Rivera.

For the National League All-Star team; Alfonso Soriano, Kosuke Fukudome and Geovany Soto will look to represent the Chicago Cubs proudly. They will be joined by Cubs teammates Kerry Wood, Ryan Dempster, Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Zambrano.

Also starting for the National League team are Houston Astros first baseman Lance Berkman, Chase Utley at second base, Florida Marlins shortstop Hanley Ramirez and Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones.

Looks like the National League built a team the American League can kick around the goddamn field eh?

Which team will win the 2008 MLB World Series? AcesAce sportsbook has the odds.

Boston Red Sox +300

New York Yankees +400

Cleveland Indians +1,000

Los Angeles Dodgers +2,000

Want more odds? Visit Bodog for more baseball betting odds and the best betting lines on some of today’s biggest sporting events.

David Ortiz 2008 MLB All-Star Game