Most of the precincts are in, and the current projected starters according to the current voting is as follows�

NL: 1B. Helton, 2B: Giles, 3B: Rolen, SS: Renteria, C: J. Lopez, OF: Bonds, Sosa, Sheffield

AL: 1B: Delgado, 2B: Soriano, 3B: Glaus, SS: Arod, C: Posada, DH: E. Martinez, OF: Ichiro, Matsui, Ramirez

Races that were still too close to call include NL shortstop, where Renteria has rallied past Atlanta�s Rafael Furcal, catcher where Javy Lopez holds a slight lead over Pudge Rodriguez, and the third NL outfield slot where Gary Sheffield is slightly ahead of Albert Pujols. Marcus Giles and Houston�s Jeff Kent are also in a close race to start at second base in the NL, but Kent is currently on the DL � so Giles should be the starter one way or the other. Todd Helton had been in a close race with Bagwell, but thankfully has pulled away with a huge surge this week.

Last week I looked at the projected All-Star pitching staffs. However in the past week Shawn Chacon (elbow) has landed on the DL and even if selected, it would be highly unlikely that the Rockies would allow to activate him in time for that game. Helton will still fill the Colorado representation so I will replace Chacon with Jae Weong Seo (5-3, 3.09 ERA, 1.23 ratio) since the Mets have precious little to choose from offensively.

Jason Giambi (NYY) � Would not had gotten even a sniff just over a month ago, but has been right up there with Delgado (.388/13 HR/34 RBI since 5/27) over the past three weeks. Look for Giambi to back up Delgado at first.

Nomar Garciaparra (BOS) � Last year Joe Torre went out of his way to make sure no one at the shortstop position got snubbed, even tabbing Miguel Tejada and Omar Vizquel. This time around only Nomar belongs along with Alex Rodriguez, as Nomar has had perhaps his finest season yet with monster #�s in all five categories (.341/71/12/56/8), even picking up on the steals.

Rocco Baldelli (TB) � Aubrey Huff (who helped his case with a three-run homer off Pedro Martinez) also stands a chance to be the D-Rays representative, and both are actually deserving � but I�ll give the nod to the exciting rookie who has also stepped it with the stolen bases.

Melvin Mora (BAL) � You�ve probably heard the story to death by now, Mora is the proud father of quintuplets (as in five). Each can play one position each instead of the five Mora plays by himself. Jay Gibbons (14 HR/59 RBI) is also a possibility out of the Birds camp, but Mora should be considered a favorite with his .350+ BA along with a 23-game hitting streak (including 18 knocks in a seven game span.

Vernon Wells (TOR) � On pace for 150 RBI, this one will take less deliberation than Rick Neuheisel�s appeal.

Dmitri Young (DET) � Let�s hope he doesn�t pull out, since I couldn�t even think who else to nominate on one of MLB�s worst teams ever. Numbers (.297/15/45) very respectable, especially considering he�s had precious few to drive in.

Milton Bradley (CLE) � As mentioned last week, closer Danys Baez could also get consideration � but a 17-41 hot streak has brought MB to the .350 level, so look for him to be the Tribe�s representative.

Carlos Beltran (KC) � One of fantasy baseball�s best five-category players, in 60 games Beltran would be projected to go .288/111/30/108/53. By far the Royals best nominee.

Brett Boone (SEA) � Only the fact that there is an even bigger 2B monster who happens to play in New York, keeps Boone off the starters list. This will be a no-brainer.

A.J Pierzynski (MN) � There has to be at least two backstops on the AL roster (and many managers like to go with three). The departure of Irod clears the way for what is now definitely the 2nd best offensive catcher in the AL.

Garrett Anderson (ANH) � You know manager Mike Scioscia is bound to get a few extra Angels on his roster. Garret�s stats for the year (.314/19/69) suggests he than deserves the honor on his own merits.

Hank Blalock (TX) � Here�s some respect for you, an LA station promo for a recent Angels/Rangers tilt went something like this: �Watch your World Champion Anaheim Angels take on Hank Blalock and the Texas Rangers. Blalock himself admitted to being flattered on getting billing over Arod and Palmeiro. With Arod an automatic Blalock may need a pull-out or two to find his way to Chicago.

Magglio Ordonez/Frank Thomas (CWS) � If at all possible, they will try to squeeze two players from the host team on the AL roster along with Esteban Loiaza � who could wind up being the starter. Thomas (.285/18/42), along with Magglio (.285/14/46) are the best of those candidates. Thomas helped his cause with a dramatic walk-off blast this week.

Tim Salmon (ANH) � Stats so far this year (.271/41/10/37) are not all-star caliber, but it is better than a 50-50 bet for Scioscia to find a way to get this 12-year veteran into his first Mid-Summer classic.

Eric Byrnes (OAK) � Highlighted by hitting for the cycle last weekend, the rookie has made a strong run at All-Star honors with spectacular across the board stats (.328/50/11/41/7). However at least two, and as many as four Oakland pitchers may be nominated, so Byrnes will be hard-pressed to squeeze his way onto the roster.

Torii Hunter (MN) � Figures to be the big loser in the Matsui ballot surge, as his one-time automatic bid has gone by the boards. The case for includes nightly highlight reel catches including last years robbing of Barry Bonds, while negatives include two other Twins (Pierzynski/Guardado) who should get in along with a BA that only just recently crawled above .250.

Eric Chavez (OAK) - Like Glaus, is a little dissapointing on the average side, and is on pace for 30 HR/100 RBI. Nice, but not great. Chavez gets a possibility should Glaus (in a recent 2-40 funk) should go on the DL.

Mike Lowell (FL) � Needs to be traded to the AL ASAP so Pujols can get a legitimate chance at the Triple Crown. Still have never seen the man smile, but gave an emphatic fist-pump after a clutch three-run homer (25th on the year) to win a game in Boston last weekend.

Alex Gonzalez (FL) � Suddenly, it is the NL who is top heavy with shortstops, with as many as four worthy of consideration. Hitting .304, and on pace for 25 HR/100 RBI Gonzalez could almost not be ignored.

Cliff Floyd/T. Wigginton/J.W Seo (NYM) � You could understand being hard-pressed to find a representative out of Detroit, or some of the other lesser-teams in baseball. But you�d never guess that a team representing NYC would ever have no one worthy of an All-Star trip. Guess that GM did deserve the ax. Either Floyd (.275/39/14/43), Ty Wigginton (.277/48/6/36), or pitcher Jae Weong Seo (3.09 ERA) are currently the best options. Seo is a runaway leader right now on a Mets website poll.

Orlando Cabrera (MTL) - No Vlad, no problem as the Expo SS has been a strong five-cat (.295/52/11/46/10) force this year.

Rafael Furcal (ATL) � Appeared to be a lock to start as recently as a week ago, but now is in a dogfight since there will be plenty of Braves as well as shortstop representation in the NL. Though he has 10 homers and 14 SB�s on the year, his BA has fallen nearly 40 points in the past month.

Richie Sexson (MIL) � Sexson hit a near-450 foot shot this week then would had been gone anywhere but the flagpole at the Crooked E in Houston, which is exactly where it clanked off. The Brewers rep is a toss-up between Sexson (.261/22/56) and outfielder Geoff Jenkins (.284/19/62 in 73 games). Both are deserving but Dusty Baker will be hard-pressed to get both in.

Albert Pujols (STL) � Just like Katharine Hepburn�s obit over the weekend, FOX News Channel has had the announcement of Pujols� nomination all cued up and ready for months now.

Edgar Renteria (STL) � Hitting .334 along with 56 RBI and 17 SB�s. Definitely the best NL shortstop this year, and can also make a strong argument for being as valuable as even Nomar and Arod this year.

Corey Patterson (CHC) � There will already be three Cubs in this game with Sosa being elected, but look for Dusty Baker to find a spot for Patterson, a five-category force on pace for a .300/100/30/110/30 campaign.

Aaron Boone (CIN) � Actually, it is not easy to come up with a Reds representative right now between the oft-injured Ken Griffey and the slumping Austin Kearns. Look for Boone to get the invite since he can play either second or third base.

Jason Kendall (PIT) � Mike Lieberthal has better statistics, but Kendall is the leading Pirate candidate with Brian Giles missing much of this season due to injury. Plus you got to love his recent throw down with Marlon Anderson along with the quote that came later, �We�re not going to have our pitcher throw at someone hitting .120� For the record Marlon�s hitting .267 but don�t let fact get in the way of a great quote.

Luis Gonzalez (AZ) � The one constant on the D-Back roster who has had a quiet (.316/54/17/60) but very solid campaign.

Rondell White (SD) � Ryan Klesko is also a possibility, but Rondell�s stats (.287/15/46) have been slightly better. If nothing else Rondell has the Seattle Mariners vote.

Mike Lieberthal (PHI) � Hitting a cool .331 but not eye-popping numbers (31 runs, 5 HR, 35 RBI) otherwise. May get the snub in the battle v. Irod�s defensive reputation.

Preston Wilson (COL) � Hitting .301 with 72 RBI. Stats are Coors inflated (.316/11/46 at home), but has also been very respectable (.283/7/26) on the road.

Ivan Rodriguez (FL) � The fans have recognized Javy Lopez�s torrid June, so Pudge may not be elected by the fans for the first time in memory. Got to love that Marlin fan support. Is not even a slam dunk to make the roster with the likes of Jason Kendall, Paul Loduca, and Benito Santiago around. A huge night this week got Irod�s average up to .300, this could be a close call either way.

Benito Santaigo (SF) � Benito further muddies the NL catching waters, hitting .291 with 10 HR and 41 RBI. Even though there will already be two (Barry Bonds, Jason Schmidt) and possibly a third (Tim Worrell) Giant on the squad there will be sentiment from Baker to give Benny what would be in all probability his final All-Star appearance.

Jim Thome (PHI) � Always a fan-favorite, but a long shot to crack this years roster. Needs (a) Helton to be named the starter and (b) Jenkins to be selected instead of Richie Sexson. 21 HR and 58 RBI on the year.

Claudio Vargas (MTL) - Rookie pitcher won't make it, just wanted to give hime credit for going 5-3 with a 2.74 ERA/1.19 ratio in just over 75 IP.

As if the All-Star hype were not good enough, the trade season is beginning to kick into gear early. In a trade that had zero impact as far as CDM is concerned, Roberto Alomar was mercifully shipped from the Mets to the White Sox. Then the Rangers (undeterred by being unable to deal Juan Gonzalez) sent Carl Everett packing to Chicago to join Alomar. Although I never like anyone leaving the Texas bandbox, I think Everett has found a good home with a team that actually appears determined to make a run in the second half. This also should make everyday players out of Mark Teixiera and Hank Blalock. I'm not so optimistic about Gonzalez however, who seems to have a residence in Buck Showalter's doghouse since rejecting the Expo trade.

In other news, Byung-Hyun Kim (to little surprise) was named closer after Brandon Lyon surrendered a three-run lead last weekend, so that should be the end of that sage. Matt Mantei has been activated for Arizona, and it appears he will be splitting save opps for the time being with Jose Valverde. Don't fret too much if you recently dropped Mantei, the chances of another setback are good and Valverde has proven to be quite a find in the closers role. The good news for Joe Borowski fans is Antonio Alfonseca has been absolutely horrible. The bad news is that the North Siders are interested in Uegeth Urbina. Should be fun looking at the possible trades here in July.

Those of you who dropped Alex Sanchez and were frustrated by seeing him run wild for two weeks after being traded to Detroit will be happy to know that Tiger management are already starting to get pissed off at his selfish, impatient ways, just as the Brewer brass had been before. Speaking of lost steals, Dave Roberts tweaked his hammy for the umpteenth time this year and was taken out for 'precautionary' reasons. Expect Roberts to land back on the DL as a 'precaution' especially with the All-Star break looming. Someone who has picked up on the speed is Rocco Baldelli, nine stolen bases in the past month, including four in his last two games.

The top pick-ups and drops in CDM for this week are as follows...

1. Corey Patterson OF-CHC (217) - And I'm sure they all enjoyed that day off Dusty promptly gave him.
2. Marcus Giles 2B-ATL (126) - This just in, HE'S SLUMPING!!!!!
3. Brett Boone 2B-SEA (89) - Maybe he can be loaned to the NL for the All-Star festivities.
4. Albert Pujols OF-STL (89) - The best pure right-handed hitter in the game today.
5. Carlos Delgado 1B-TOR (84)- Only hitting .234 in his last 94 AB's.
6. Javy Lopez C-ATL (68) - Hasn't had a two-bomb game in over a week!!!!!
7. Jason Giambi 1B-NYY (65) - Like Roy Halladay, from the drop to add list.
8. Dontrelle Willis SP-FL (63) - HE'S MADE THE LIST!!!!!
9. Vernon Wells OF-TOR (58) - What happened to the Jays offense in Detroit??? Whoops, Vern and Delgado just combined for three HR, six RBI - never mind.
10. Jason Schmidt SP-SF (54) - Why are they holding him back a day and making him pitch in St. Louis??? Take that back, it was a great decision.

1. Pat Burrell OF-PHI (122) - He's hot - managed one hit in that 17 inning game. And someone robbed him of a HR.
2. Josh Phelps 1B-TOR (103) - Reed Johnson (.324/35/6/20 in 41 games) deserves to start, Phelps is the most likely casualty.
3. Jose Hernandez SS-CHC (88) - Got his first hit as a Cub, and only took him a week.
4. Junior Spivey 2B-AZ (75)- Matt Kata (.377/3/7 in 14 games) a serious threat to take his job for good.
5. Vladamir Guerrero OF-MTL (75) - Lisa Guerrero has more value right now, and much better looking.
6. Adam Dunn OF-CIN (65) - Burrell and Dunn's averages wouldn't hack it on the PBA tour neither.
7. Joe Crede 3B-CWS (45) - The Safety All-Star is still kicking.
8. Matt Mantei RP-AZ (38) - Another D-back who's been Wally Pipp'ed.
9. Roy Oswalt SP-HOU (36) - Due to come off DL Monday
10. Dave Roberts OF-LA (36) - Not a good month for Maury Wills.

Hope you all took my advice on Hideo Nomo, oh well that worked for six innings at least. Mike Mussina also took his lumps. You know that happens about three times a year, a frustrating part is it happens when you usually least expect it (in this case at Baltimore). Expect him to rebound in a big way v. the Red Sox this weekend. Mark Prior and even Wade Miller (usually money v. MIL) were not able to get wins - nothings sacred.

But that's this week. Next week is the final week before the All-Star break. This is a good schedule week for the AL, everyone except FL and MTL plays seven times. BOS, NYY, CWS, and CLE have seven-gamers as well. Projected two-start pitchers include Pedro Martinez (including a possible start in Detroit), Mike Mussina (possibly being held back to Monday to face Pedro), David Wells, Roy Halladay, Barry Zito, Jae Seo, Brett Myers, Wade Miller (unless he goes this Sunday), and Kevin Brown (beware of Coors Field start). Houston has a nice stretch of seven home games v. PIT and CIN. Colorado has five at home, two v. SF, three v. LA.

Here is the CDM Free Agent list...