Cargo is the starting DH and will lead off the game!

[El Supremo]

What an honor! Not just to lead off but to be the DH!

KANSAS CITY — Carlos Gonzalez waited three-plus seasons to become an all-star. He won't have to wait long to get his first taste. The Rockies' lone representative was selected as the National League's designated hitter and will hit leadoff as the game's first batter.

"I relied on the greatest teammate anybody can have in Carney Lansford. I talked to him. He talked about CarGo. He said last year he could hit all over when he really got hot. He hit at the top of the lineup," La Russa said. "I like when Justin Verlander takes the mound in the top of the first and he will look over and see someone who can do real damage right off the bat. We have guys who will get his attention."

Gonzalez has hit leadoff throughout his Rockies' career, but has settled as the third spot this season. Gonzalez told The Post last week he was open to DHing.

"I can't remember doing it in the American League. But I have done it in winterball when I was younger," said Gonzalez, who will participate in the home run derby tonight. "I am looking forward to any opportunity."

La Russa chose San Francisco's Matt Cain as his starter, a bit of a controversial selection given the first-half performance of the Mets' R.A. Dickey.

"This is a great honor," Cain said.

American League manager Ron Washington selected Tigers' ace and reigning AL MVP and Cy Young award winner Justin Verlander as his starter. Verlander is rested, playing a role in the decision.

"I am going to relish every moment of it," Verlander said. "I am sure as Mr. Washington can attest, that home-field advantage can be huge in the World Series."

The complete lineups:

American League
1. Derek Jeter, SS
2. Robinson Cano, 2B
3. Josh Hamilton, LF
4. Jose Bautista, RF
5. Prince Fielder, 1B
6. Adrian Beltre, 3B
7. David Ortiz, DH
8. Mike Napoli, C
9. Curtis Granderson, CF
RHP. Justin Verlander

National League
1. Carlos Gonzalez, DH
2. Melky Cabrera, CF
3. Ryan Braun, LF
4. Joey Votto, 1B
5. Carlos Beltran, RF
6. Buster Posey, C
7. Pablo Sandoval, 3B
8. Dan Uggla, 2B
9. Rafael Furcal, SS
RHP. Matt Cain

Read more: Rockies' Carlos Gonzalez will DH, start All-Star Game - The Denver Post http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_21036942/rockies-carlos-gonzalez-will-dh-start-all-star#ixzz209sn7BDL
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[Auggie]

1. Sandoval will feel right at home when he makes the third out with Posey in scoring position

[denverbill]

3. So will Cargo hitting with nobody on base, though he normally bats third.

Congrats to Cargo though. Well deserved.

[madinmaryland]

2. What a disgrace. A DH selected to the All-Star Game. That's an abomination.

[El Supremo]

4. It's an honour to be able to play...

as a DH in a game that exemplifies what baseball should universally be!

[madinmaryland]

5. Dude. Take off your rose coloured glasses!!

[Jack Rabbit]

6. Cargo!! Wow!!

[center]

[/center]

[El Supremo]

9. You will be real sorry some day for that!

[bluedigger]

7. Don't miss the start of the game, then!

That's probably the only AB he'll get.

[El Supremo]

8. You ain't kidding.

I've got to come home real early.