Cardinals Pujols heads list of all-stars

St. Louis Cardinals star Albert Pujols is the top vote getter for Major League Baseball's 80th all-star game which will be played July 14 at Busch Stadium.

Pujols, who will be making his eighth all-star appearance and a start in front of his home fans, collected 5.39 million votes.

Pujols leads American baseball with 31 home runs and 82 runs batted in.

He will be joined on the National League team by teammate Yadier Molina who finished first among catchers. Three NL teams have at least two starters in the game.

The New York Mets lead the NL with four picks, comprising centre fielder Carlos Beltran, third baseman David Wright, New York ace Johan Santana and closer Francisco Rodriguez.

The starting lineup for the NL comprises, Pujols at first, Philadelphia second baseman Chase Utley, Florida shortstop Hanley Ramirez, Wright at third, Cardinals catcher Molina and Beltran, Milwaukee's Ryan Braun and Philadelphia's Raul Ibanez in the outfield.

The American League starters comprise, Mark Teixeira at first, Boston's Dustin Pedroia at second, Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria, outfielders Jason Bay, of Boston, Josh Hamilton of Texas and Ichiro Suzuki of Seattle, and Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer.