AMERICAN LEAGUE: INSIDE THE A.L.: BURKETT WANTS NO PART OF SELIG.

Byline: Joe Haakenson Staff Writer

Boston Red Sox pitcher John Burkett is 7-1 with a 4.19 ERA, and though he said he doesn't expect to be named to the American League All-Star team by manager Joe Torre, Burkett said he wouldn't go regardless.

The reason? Baseball commissioner Bud Selig.

Selig technically relinquished his ownership stake in the Milwaukee Brewers, who are hosting the game July 9. But Selig's daughter now runs the team and the game apparently means a lot to the Brewers and the Seligs. Burkett reportedly doesn't like the way Selig has handled his end of the labor situation, and that is why Burkett won't go, even if selected.

``I don't want to go to Milwaukee and play in an All-Star Game that would benefit him,'' Burkett told the Boston Globe. ``It's something I feel strongly about, and I'm willing to stand up and make that decision.''

--Out of the Park: Former Dodgers pitcher Chan Ho Park signed a $60 million contract with the Texas Rangers during the offseason, but so far he's been a bust. After his start opening day, Park spent nearly six weeks on the disabled list because of a hamstring injury. And after coming back, he's 2-3 with a 10.02 ERA.

``I know he's better than he's shown,'' Rangers manager Jerry Narron said. ``We have to help him get it turned around.''

But how?

Narron said Park might have altered his mechanics to compensate for the sore hamstring. A scout said Park's fastball lacks the movement it's had in the past. And pitching coach Oscar Acosta said Park is throwing too many breaking balls.

--Back at you: In his autobiography ``Omar!,'' Cleveland shortstop Omar Vizquel said closer Jose Mesa ``choked'' in Game 7 of the 1997 World Series when the Marlins rallied from a ninth-inning deficit to beat the Indians.

Mesa is now in the National League with Philadelphia but got the chance to face Vizquel in an interleague series. Wednesday, Mesa drilled Vizquel with a pitch in the back.

``Maybe the book has something to do with it,'' Vizquel said. ``I don't know. It was a cheap shot. Maybe he has gotten a little sensitive about what I said.

``We used to be buddies. He's a great guy but can get moody.''

--Freak injury of the week: The New York Yankees, unhappy with the production from the right-field platoon of Shane Spencer and John Vander Wal, called up minor-league outfielder Juan Rivera to take over the position.

Rivera's big break, though, was really a bad break. Shagging fly balls during batting practice last week, Rivera ran into a golf cart used by the grounds crew and broke his right kneecap.

--Not yet: Rumors persist that the Seattle Mariners are interested in trading for Indians pitcher Bartolo Colon, but Mariners general manager Pat Gillick said it won't happen because the club can't go higher than its $80 million payroll.