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CCIINNCCIINNNNAATTII RREEDDSS PPRREESSSS CCLLIIPPPPIINNGGSS JULY 16, 2014

THIS DAY IN REDS HISTORY: JULY 16, 1954 – REDS CF LED TO A 9-4 VICTORY OVER THE PHILLIES BY DRIVING IN SIX RUNS. BELL WENT 3-FOR-5 WITH TWO HOME RUNS, A AND TWO RUNS SCORED.

CINCINNATI ENQUIRER

All-Star Game 2015 countdown begins Josh Pichler

The first thing to understand about next year's All-Star Game is that it's not a game. It's a five-day convention and sports sensation that will overtake Downtown.

Concerts, block parties and a parade will complement Major League 's FanFest, Futures Game, Home Derby and the 86th All-Star Game. The event is expected to bring well over 100,000 people to the region – including hundreds of journalists – and beam Cincinnati onto television sets and media platforms across the world.

For locals whose only frame of reference is the 1988 All-Star Game, next year's festivities will bear little resemblance to the event that town when Marge Schott owned the and was her manager. Players that year came to town on Sunday night, missed a skills competition due to weather and played the game Tuesday.

Contrast that with the modern, five-day, fan-driven spectacle. Already, MLB has booked 16,165 hotel room nights for next year from July 11-15 for its contingent of executives, corporate sponsors and guests. That's just a fraction of the expected out-of-town guests. Minneapolis anticipated 160,000 visitors for this year's game, the Minneapolis StarTribune reported.

ESPN, which broadcasts the Derby and "" from the host city every year, will have its first planning meeting in August or September, and bring 150 staffers to Cincinnati next July. Phil Castellini, the Reds chief operating officer, said All-Star Game planning will dominate his time the next 12 months.

All-Star Game brings MLB restrictions

Success in 2015 will require a tightly coordinated effort among MLB, the Reds, and business and public leaders.

"In the last 25 years, this event has exploded," said Scott Stiles, Cincinnati's interim city manager. "We are really trying to get our arms around it and make sure that we are prepared."

Stiles is part of a local contingent spending time in Minnesota this week. The game was Tuesday, and the group wants to hit the ground running starting Wednesday, when MLB turns its focus squarely to 2015. It's a unique opportunity to market our city that's been energized in recent years by a revitalized urban core.

"It's another chance to put Cincinnati on the map, nationally and internationally," said Sharry Addison, co-chair of the Cincinnati Organizing Committee. " 'We're just a city in the Midwest, a well-kept secret.' We keep hearing that. But we have the facilities, the people, the resources to do just about anything."

Event's economic impact estimated at $60 million

MLB is running this show in conjunction with the Reds, and its footprint will be massive. According to a June Enquirer report, essentially "owns" the area from just west of Paul Brown Stadium to the Boat•house, and in some places north to Seventh and Ninth streets.

All-Star Game signage will be everywhere. Global corporations will bring VIP customers into the city for special events. There will be charity brunches and lunches. Restaurants and bars will be packed. MLB estimates the economic impact of the All-Star Game in similar-sized cities at about $60 million.

Castellini said the timing couldn't be better. Smale Riverfront Park will be developed all the way to Paul Brown Stadium, and development will continue on new apartments at The Banks.

DunnhumbyUSA's Fifth Street headquarters will be finished, and General Electric's new U.S. global operations center at The Banks will be under construction. Meanwhile, the 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati has opened, and Over-the-Rhine continues its transformation.

"It's the best time that we could be hosting it relative to what this city's looked like the last 10 years," Castellini said. "We might have had to wait a few more years to get one, but I think the city's better prepared to put on a good show. It's really going to put Cincinnati in a good light."

Castellini, arrived in Minneapolis Saturday, has been to six of the last eight All-Star Games, and has largely focused on how the host cities executed events outside the stadium.

New York City hosted a gala on an aircraft carrier. St. Louis had a concert under the Gateway Arch. Pittsburgh put red carpet across the Bridge as players were driven into the stadium.

"The ballpark stuff isn't easy, but we get our heads around that every day. It's more about how the host city did everything else. How was FanFest? How was transportation? What other things did the city activate outside of the games?" Castellini said.

"My observation is when the All-Star Game is hosted by a smaller, Midwestern-sized type town, it is the thing happening. It's like when the World Choir Games were here. You couldn't go anywhere in Cincinnati and not know the World Choir Games was in town."

Corps of volunteers to reach 2,500 people

While the Reds and MLB do their planning, Addison's team of volunteers, which will eventually grow to about 2,500 people, is tasked with making sure Downtown shines next July. The Cincinnati Organizing Committee, co-chaired by Melanie Chavez of Chavez Properties, expects to raise about $1 million and reports to the Greater Cincinnati Convention & Visitors Bureau and its CEO, Dan Lincoln.

This isn't Addison's first rodeo. She has helped organize events including the 1987 World Figure Skating Championships, 1988 All- Star Game and 1997 NCAA Women's Final Four.

The host committee's responsibilities include entertainment and hospitality. That means working with the convention and visitors bureau to create physical and digital Downtown guides for visitors, and promoting them at the airport, around the city and at restaurants, bars and hotels. Expect a social media center Downtown and possibly a zip line.

The goal is to delight visitors who, Addison adds, aren't just defined as out-of-town guests.

"During the World Choir Games we found that many people from the outlying suburbs in Cincinnati had not been Downtown for years," she said. "They got down here and said, 'How did this all happen?' "

The expected crush of people is top of mind for Stiles, who has designated Assistant Fire Chief Edward Dadosky to lead the city's planning. Stiles is also starting to budget for things like police overtime and other expenses the city may incur, and already thinking about managing street closures and traffic flow.

Stiles admits to some nerves, but also plenty of excitement. His expectations are sky high for the city.

"Cincinnatians should watch the game up in Minneapolis and envision all the great fun that's going to go along with us hosting it next year." ■

Clues from 2014 All-Star Game

A look at this year's events in Minneapolis illustrates why the All-Star Game is really a convention:

• Friday: All-Star FanFest all day. (Think Redsfest but bigger). Movie night at the ballpark.

• Saturday: All-Star FanFest all day. All-Star concert with Imagine Dragons and Atmosphere.

• Sunday: Color Run MLB All-Star 5K. All-Star FanFest all day. Block party, concerts, All-Star Futures Game, celebrity softball game.

• Monday: All-Star FanFest all day, block party, concerts, Home Run

Derby.

• Tuesday: All-Star FanFest all day, block party, All-Star Game red carpet parade, concert, All-Star Game.

What music do All-Stars walk up to? Ben Goldschmidt

The All-Star Game features the best of the best in MLB, but does it feature the best walk up music? Here's a look at what the pros walk up to (Reds in bold).

Yadier Molina * St. Louis Cardinals - National C * Sigan Bailando - Wisin & Yandel

Paul Goldschmidt * - National 1B * Linkin Park - One Step Closer

Troy Tulowitzki * - National SS * Ace of Base - The Sign

Aramis Ramierz * - National 3B * NO MUSIC BY CHOICE

Andrew McCutchen * - National OF * Ellie Goulding - Lights (Bassnectar Remix)

Johnny Cueto* Cincinnati Reds - National P * Wisin y Yandel - Siguelo

Carlos Gomez * Milwaukee Brewers - National OF * Young Dro - Shoulder Lean

Yasiel Puig * Dogers - National OF * DJ Snake & Lil Jon - Turn Down For What

Todd Frazier * Cincinnati Reds - National 3B * Frank Sinatra - Fly Me to the Moon

Matt Wieters * - American C * Sam Hunt - Raised On It

Miguel Cabrera * - American 1B * Jay Z - Ni**as In Paris

Alfredo Simon * Cincinnati Reds - National P * Don Omar - Dile

Robinson Cano * - American 2B * Jay Z - Tom Ford

Derek Jeter * - American SS * Young Money feat. Drake - Trophies

Jose Bautista * Blue Jays - American OF * Drake - Trophies

Mike Trout * - American OF * Drake - Started From the Bottom

Adam Jones * Baltimore Orioles - American OF * Young Jeezy - Lose My Mind

Nelson Cruz * Baltimore Orioles - American DH * Alex y Fido - Rescate Feat. Daddy Yankee

Aroldis Chapman * Cincinnati Reds - National P * Wake Up - Rage Against The Machine

Clayton Kershaw * Los Angeles Dogers - National P * We Are Young - Fun

Tyson Ross * - National P * Mastermind - Deltron 3030

Jordan Zimmerman * - National P * Brantley Gilbert - Hell On Wheels

Adam Wainwright * St Louis Cardinals - National P * Alabama - Song Of The South

Devin Mesoraco #1 * Cincinnati Reds - National C * Gary Allan - Right Where I Need to Be

Devin Mesoraco #2 * Cincinnati Reds - National C * The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band - Fishing in the Dark

Selig: Reds can have Pete Rose in All-Star festivities C. Trent Rosecrans

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Reds will be allowed to include Pete Rose in All-Star Game festivities next season, even if it is on a limited basis, commissioner said Tuesday.

Speaking exclusively to the Baseball Writers Association of America on Tuesday, baseball's outgoing commissioner was asked if Rose would be allowed to be included in All-Star celebrations next year when Cincinnati hosts the game.

"That'll be up to the Cincinnati club, and they know what they can do and they can't do," Selig said. "They've been very good about that. We haven't had that discussion."

Rose, banned from baseball in 1989, has been officially recognized twice at -- in 2010 on the 25th anniversary of his record-breaking 4,192nd hit and last season at the dedication of the statue of Big Red Machine teammate , when the entire "Great Eight" was honored.

Selig would not answer a question about specific guidelines the Reds would have to follow.

"It's sort of subjective, they've done some things with Pete, but they've been very, very thoughtful and limited," Selig said. "That's a subject that I'm sure they'll discuss in the next year. They're all here, but that's not a subject that's come up."

As for Rose's overall status with Selig, who is scheduled to step aside at the end of the year, the commissioner said there has been no change in Rose's status.

"It's a matter under advisement. That's my standard line," Selig said. "I'm the judge and that's where it'll stay. There's nothing new."

However, the role of Rose becomes a bigger issue with the All-Star Game coming to Cincinnati in 2015.

Every All-Star Game is a celebration of not just Major League Baseball, but baseball's history in the host city. Here in Minneapolis, many former Twins -- the likes of Tony Oliva and Frank Viola -- to native Minnesotans like and Jack Morris -- have been part of festivities, from throwing out first pitches, to autograph signings and appearances. Two years ago in Kansas City, Royals legend George Brett was a spokesman for the city and the All-Star Game following the final out of the 2011 All-Star Game in Arizona.

How do you tell the story of baseball in Cincinnati or the story of the Cincinnati Reds without Rose?

"You don't," Reds owner Bob Castellini told The Enquirer on Tuesday.

"We plan on using him wherever Major League Baseball is comfortable with, but we're certainly going to include him," Castellini said.

PETE'S PAST APPEARANCES

If Pete Rose is permitted to take part in on-field ceremonies in connection with the 2015 All-Star Game at Great American Ball Park, it wouldn't be the first time since Rose accepted a lifetime ban in 1989 that he's taken the field:

Joe Morgan statue dedication

When: Sept. 7, 2013

Back story: The Reds' "Great Eight" (Rose, Morgan, , Tony Perez, , Cesar Geronimo, Ken Griffey Sr. and Davey Concepcion) reunited for the unveiling of a statue of Morgan at Great American. Morgan said he had approached Selig during Hall of Fame weekend about Rose's participation, and the commissioner agreed.

Rose said: "I appreciate Joe asking, and I appreciate Bud saying yes."

25th anniversary of Rose's 4,192nd hit

When: Sept. 11, 2010

Back story: Allowed to take the field but not to address the crowd as part of ceremonies commemorating the hit that broke Ty Cobb's record, Rose stomped on the first-base bag as fireworks exploded above Great American Ball Park. The following night at Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg, Rose issued a teary apology to teammates, many of whom were moved.

Rose said: "I couldn't have wrote a script any better. Just like the night I broke the record. The Reds are in first place now, and I enjoyed shaking hands with Mr. Castellini."

Baseball's All-Century team

When: Oct. 24, 1999

Back story: Rose was allowed to appear at the in as part of Major League Baseball's All-Century Team. In an interview on the field afterward, NBC reporter Jim Gray asked Rose about betting on baseball and refused to drop the subject. "Are you willing to show contrition, admit that you bet on baseball and make some kind of apology to that effect?" Gray asked. Rose didn't, of course, but later would admit in a book to betting on baseball.

Rose said: "I'm surprised you're bombarding me like this. I'm doing the interview with you on a great night, a great occasion. ... Everybody seems to be in a good mood, and you're bringing up something that happened 10 years ago."

Erardi: How will Cincinnati handle the All-Star Game? John Erardi

Minneapolis and the have , and frankly, there's not much else for the Twins and the Twin Cities to be concerned about.

The signature moment is already guaranteed for the 85th Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

Just as it was when Boston/ had Ted Williams and San Francisco/AT&T Park had to fete, and New York/ had Mariano Rivera to send off.

There is no way to screw up any of those things.

No way.

As you watch the pre-game festivities and the 85th All-Star Game tonight, Reds fans, ask yourself this question: How might your Reds and your metropolis of Greater Cincinnati handle this event next year?

There's not another Jeter or Rivera out there, but there is a Peter Edward Rose, and the greatest catcher of all time and maybe the greatest second baseman of all time and perhaps the greatest clubhouse presence of all time and probably a who belongs in the Baseball Hall of Fame, not to mention the Great Eight, arguably the greatest team of position players ever assembled.

Everybody on the Great Eight is still getting around pretty good -- they sure looked good last fall when Joe Morgan's statue was dedicated, didn't they? -- so my guess is they would show well again on All-Star Night a year from now.

Yes, Little Joe and the Reds laid out a pretty good blueprint for at least part of the pre-game festivities at the 86th All-Star Game.

Rose and Morgan and Johnny Bench and Tony Perez and Davey Concepcion and George Foster and Ken Griffey Sr. and Cesar Geronimo – the whole kit 'n caboodle of them – should be right in the middle of it.

A Baseball Hall of Fame executive, who mingles daily with the statues and plaques and celebrations in Cooperstown, was in our town for the Great Eight celebration, and afterward he described it to me as ''magical.''

Kind of hard to top ''magical,'' isn't it?

I haven't talked recently or specifically to any Reds officials about Rose, but my big-picture sense of it -- having talked in generalities to some of them at various stages not so long ago -- is that while there is hope for Rose's eventual reinstatement to baseball for the purpose of getting him on the ballot for consideration for election to the Baseball Hall of Fame, the feeling is to not co-mingle that with the All-Star Game.

That makes sense to me.

Great as Rose was, there has always been so much more to him when he is feted as part of the whole, no? Wasn't that always when he was at his best? No matter your regard for 4,192 and the 44-game hitting streak and all those head-first slides, I submit that Rose at his finest was leading off for the Big Red Machine.

In no way does this diminish his juice as baseball icon, lightning rod and potential source of coming-together.

Just as Boston had Williams and St. Louis had , and San Francisco has Mays, Cincinnati has Peter Edward Rose. Utilize him, leverage him, send him forth to share the spotlight.

Despite the controversy, he's an asset: Nobody ever played the game harder. His hit records are untainted. He was an enduring symbol for two baseball generations of Cincinnati players, and no doubt still is for Knotholers of today -- if their grandparents have any say in it.

Yes, you might say the Reds have a little something to work with for the 86th All-Star Game.

As big events go, this franchise crushed the back-to-back Civil Rights Games (which hasn't been the same since it left here) and it's not going out on any limb to predict that it will crush the 2015 Major League Baseball All-Star Game.

There are opportunities galore for a massive celebration of the franchise: 25th anniversary of 1990, 40th of 1975, 75th of 1940, 95th of 1919, 145th of the Red Stockings. All the great teammate connections, including: and (20th anniversary of his MVP Award); Perez and Bench (45th anniversary of his first of two MVP awards); the fabulous 1938-40 quartet of , , Frank McCormick and ,and -- across eras -- the incandescent Tom "Mr. Perfect" Browning and Jim "No-No" Maloney (50th anniversary his greatest season). Heck, it's the 60th anniversary of 's great performance in the 1955 All-Star game; what's a Reds party without Nuxie?

It will be our fifth such midsummer's classic and no doubt our best party.

Whether or not it's our best game is obviously out of the ballclub's hands. As one-for-the-ages go, the 12-inning classic in 1970 with Rose bowling over Ray Fosse in two-week-old Riverfront Stadium may be impossible to top.

And yet, having take the mound to start the game in 1938 (after only three weeks earlier having pitched his second straight no-hitter), and then 15 years later having Ted Williams (just then returning to the States from his fighter- pilot tour in Korea) on the same mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch, well, that was pretty good stuff, too.

I would have loved to have been there as Vandy no-hit the American Leaguers of future Hall of Famers Joe DiMaggio, Jimmie Foxx, Charlie Gehringer, Earl Averill and Bill Dickey before giving up a another future Hall of Famer, Joe Cronin, to open the third.

The 1988 All-Star Game? Let's just say the baseball gods owe us one.

OK, so here we go…

Who should throw out the ceremonial first pitch here?

Rod Carew is doing that honor in Minneapolis.

Who should sing the national anthem?

At Target Field, it will be Idina Menzel (soprano-chanteuse of the Oscar-winning ''Let It Go'' from the box-office smash, Frozen).

How about the flyover?

Tonight, screaming through the gloaming at 400 miles per hour at 1,000 feet high in flat delta formation – just as Menzel hits the final note of the anthem and the Reds' All-Star aggregation gazes skyward -- will be six F-16 Fighting Falcons ''Thunderbirds,'' the elite demonstration team of the U.S. Air Force.

As for next year, well, just keep your fingers crossed.

Your Cincinnati Reds already have two of the most exciting players in baseball: , who will be bidding to make his fourth straight All-Star team, and Billy Hamilton, who will be seeking to make his first.

To have them -- and hopefully some if not all of their Reds' All-Star teammates tonight -- doing their thing at the 86th All-Star Game will show off Cincinnati better than anything else that can go around them.

But what goes around comes around, and that's what the pre-game festivities are all about.

Enjoy the show tonight, and let your imagination go.

Frazier, Jeter meet at '98, '14 All-Star Games C. Trent Rosecrans

MINNEAPOLIS -- The day the now-famous picture of a 12-year-old standing next to Derek Jeter during the national anthem at was taken, Frazier was upset that he wouldn't be standing next to his favorite Yankee, Paul O'Neill.

Frazier and his Little League World Series championship team from Toms River, N.J., was honored before a Yankees game, and each member of the Toms River team stood with his counterpart on the Yankees -- that meant Frazier, a shortstop, stood with Jeter.

From that day on, even though Frazier was a Red Sox fan, he was a fan of Jeter, as well.

"I was like, when I was little, I didn't want to see another guy. I was a big Paul O'Neill fan, he was my favorite player. When I saw him, I thought that was the coolest thing, to be honest with you," Frazier said. "Once I saw Jeter, everything changed. I watched the way he went about his business, how he prepared. I was in the dugout at 12 years old, just watching. Everyone's watching home runs go over the fence and I'm watching Jeter and how he goes about his business. I said, 'I want to be that shortstop.'"

Frazier, now a , was on the same field with Jeter for his final All-Star Game on Tuesday.

"It's pretty cool, in '98 to meet him then and now I'm playing with him in his last All-Star game," Frazier said. "I think that's pretty cool, he's a down-to-earth guy and he deserves every accolade he gets."

Frazier said he got a ball signed by Jeter that day in 1998, but it's not on display like the signed copy of the picture from that day. Frazier got Jeter to sign it two years ago and it now hangs in the bar in his house.

"He reminded me of that moment when we played them a few years back," Jeter told reporters on Monday. "I remember the Little League teams that come to the Stadium usually come and stand next to us. It means I've been doing it for a long time – a very long time. It's great to see guys that you run into when they're young. There's been plenty of players I've played against that have said I had an opportunity to met them earlier in my career. I enjoy those stories."

ALL-STAR 'DO: A couple of All-Stars got special haircuts when they got to Minneapolis for the All-Star Game, including Reds starter Alfredo Simon. Simon, Yasiel Puig and others got stars shaved into their head.

"We went there together and they made the design when we first got here," said Simon, who was making his first All-Star appearance.

The Reds' five All-Stars talk to the media during the MLB All-Star press conference in Minneapolis on Monday. The Enquirer

NO HOMER HANGOVER: Todd Frazier wasn't worried about the messing with his swing when he accepted 's invitation and he wasn't worried the day after losing in the finals.

"I'm trying to try to hit home runs to right field like I always do," said Frazier before batting practice on Tuesday. "My swing will be there. I'm going to be on the beach tomorrow, so I'll be fine."

LOW-KEY MESORACO: During Tuesday's Home Run Derby, Reds Alfredo Simon, and Aroldis Chapman all made sure they had their camera time, giving Frazier (in the case of Simon and Cueto) Gatorade and advice during his at-bats and Chapman talking to countryman Yoenis Cespedes during his at-bat. But nowhere to be seen was the fifth Reds All-Star, Devin Mesoraco.

Although he was an All-Star, Mesoraco said he was a little uncomfortable being treated like one.

"It's not really my thing," Mesoraco said. "It's definitely nice to be recognized and cool to have the honor."

That's why Mesoraco said he spent much of the derby back in the batting cage, talking to Frazier and watching out of the spotlight. Mesoraco enjoyed the event, nonetheless, just in his own way.

"It was a lot of fun -- it was surreal because you watch it every year on TV, and to be there watching was pretty cool," Mesoraco said.

Mesoraco said he'd participate next year if asked.

"If I was asked, I'm sure I'd do it, just to say I've done it. I don't know how I'd fare," Mesoraco said. "I don't think I'd be the best, but I'd sure give it a shot."

INTRUDER IN THE DUGOUT: Jeff Samardzija was named a All-Star by winning a players' vote, but since he was traded earlier this month to the 's A's, he was not allowed to play for either team.

While Samardzija wore a National League batting practice jersey and generic All-Star Game hat for team photos and had a locker in the National League clubhouse, by the time the game got underway, he found his way to the American League dugout, wearing an A's pullover and an A's All-Star hat.

Aroldis Chapman OK after All-Star scare C. Trent Rosecrans

MINNEAPOLIS -- The last things the Reds could afford was an injury at the All-Star Game, and it appears they have dodged that despite the sight of closer Aroldis Chapman limping after recording the final out of the eighth inning at first base.

Chapman said he would be fine to pitch on Friday when the Reds open the second half of the season in New York against the Yankees.

"I'm fine, I've been pitching with it for a while and as long as I don't have to run, it feels good to pitch," Chapman said according to Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero serving as his interpreter.

Chapman is suited for that -- as he's struck out more than half the batters he's faced this season, 60 of 111.

Chapman recorded two outs (neither ) in the eighth inning for the National League in the 5-3 loss to the American League at Target Field on Tuesday. He got the A's Yoenis Cespedes to ground out to short and the Mariners' Kyle Seager to hit a grounder to Freddie Freeman, and that's where Chapman ran to first to record the out and then appeared to limp off the field.

Chapman said he hadn't even thought about the hamstring until he started running.

"That was the last thing that went through my mind, but I knew if it happened, I'd have to cover the base," Chapman said according to Montero. "It did happen and he didn't want to sprint out and blow out my hammy there, so I just took it easy and there was time enough to get the out."

The Reds have been besieged by injuries of late. Not only is back on the disabled list for the foreseeable futures with quadriceps strain, will be out the next five-plus weeks after undergoing surgery to repair torn ligaments in his left thumb. Utility man Skip Schumaker went on the seven-day concussion disabled list before the All-Star break and pitchers and Mat Latos each left their last starts early with ailments. Adding Chapman to that list would be another shot to the team that was playing its best baseball of the season heading into the All-Star break.

Afterward, teammate Devin Mesoraco said he thought Chapman was fine, but at that point hadn't talked to him.

"I highly anticipate that he's going to be fine -- knock on wood," Mesoraco said. "We can't even catch a break in the darn All-Star Game without guys pulling up."

Did Wainwright groove to Jeter in NL ASG loss? C. Trent Rosecrans

MINNEAPOLIS -- If the Reds make the World Series, they'll have just three games at Great American Ball Park -- and Cardinals pitching to thank.

All five of the American League's runs in their 5-3 victory over the National League came off of Cardinals pitchers, including three off of starter in the first inning.

After AL starter Felix Hernandez worked around a leadoff single from Andrew McCutchen in the first, Wainwright took part in what turned out to be an all-night Derek Jeter love fest. First placing his glove on the mound and stepped back to allow the fans to give the retiring Jeter a standing ovation before his first inning at-bat. After a long round of applause, Wainwright stepped up to the mound and on his second pitch, Jeter lashed a double to right.

"I was going to give him a couple of pipe shots, he deserved it," Wainwright said afterward.

After the double to Jeter, tripled and following a of Robinson Cano, hit a two-run home run.

"I didn't know he was going to hit a double, or I might have changed my mind," Wainwright said laughing with reporters. "I thought he was going to hit something hard to the right side for a single or an out, but I should have probably have pitched him a little better."

Wainwright was asked again at least one more time if he really wanted to give up a hit to Jeter, and he said he did. He noted that he'd "put up a zero" in tougher situations.

However, by the time his comments hit the internet, Wainwright then went on the Fox national broadcast to say his comments were misinterpreted, despite the fact he had a chance earlier to clarify what he said and continued to say he wanted to give up a hit to Jeter.

Afterward, his manager, Mike Matheny, admonished anyone who believed what Wainwright meant what he said.

"It's a shame that most people that are following this game and following how this happened don't understand or had an opportunity to really know the player and the person that Adam Wainwright is," Matheny said. "And he's always going out of the way to do the right thing. It bothered him immensely, to say the least. Something, such a great experience like this, taken once again the wrong way, ran with it the wrong direction."

Jeter, who finished 2 for 2 in his 14th and final All-Star Game, said he didn't believe Wainwright "grooved" him the two pitches.

"The first was a little cutter he threw down and away. He probably assumed I was swinging, so he didn't groove the first one," Jeter said. "The second one was about 98 two-seamer that I stayed on really good -- I don't know man. If he grooved it, thank you. You still have to hit it. I appreciate if that's what he did, thank you."

The NL Central did its best to get back in the game for the National League, with Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy getting the NL within a run with an RBI double in the second and another in the fourth. His fourth-inning double tied the game at 3, with pinch- runner Dee Gordon scoring easily.

Reds starter Alfredo Simon did what Wainwright thought he could do -- put up a zero after a single by Jeter -- in the third. Simon got Trout to fly out to the warning track in left, struck out Cano and then got a liner to short from Cabrera.

Simon said he wanted to get Jeter out, but wasn't too upset about giving up a single to Jeter on his night.

"He got a bloop -- that was OK," Simon said.

The tie game lasted until the fifth, when Matheny turned to hometown boy and Cardinal to face the last two batters of the order before getting back to the top of the lineup.

After getting Oakland's grounded out, A's catcher Derek Norris and White Sox shortstop Alexi Ramirez hit back-to- back singles, bringing up Trout.

Trout hit a grounder just past the NL third baseman, scoring Norris from second.

Matheny then went to the mound to get Neshek, replacing him with Washington's . 's Jose Altuve hit a long sacrifice fly to make it 5-3.

Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco had a chance to bring the National League back to within one in the top of the sixth, batting with two outs and Ramirez on third. American League manager brought in his closer, Koji Uehara, to face Mesoraco. Mesoraco then struck out on four pitches, extending the Reds' hitless streak in the Mid-Summer Classic to their last 18 at-bats, going to Scott Rolen's seventh-inning single off of Phil Hughes in Anaheim in 2010.

That streak stayed at 18 when Todd Frazier walked on four pitches against Mariners closer Fernando Rodney.

"I got in and I wanted to face (A's lefty Sean) Doolittle because I faced him in high school, because he's a Jersey guy," Frazier said. "At the same time, they put Rodney in and four straight pitches -- I didn't even get to swing. At the same time, I'll take it. I guess I lead the All-Stars in on-base percentage."

Reds reliever Aroldis Chapman retired both batters he faced in the bottom of the eight, even though he appeared to come up limping. Afterward, he said his left hamstring has been bothering him for "a while," but didn't expect to miss any time.

After the game, the Reds' All-Stars weren't exactly thinking about the loss -- or its ramifications for October.

"We'll worry about that at that time," Mesoraco said. "You're out here to have fun and if we're lucky enough to get into that situation, I'm sure we're not going to be complaining we didn't win the All-Star Game."

Another NL contender, the Brewers' Lucroy, said it may even been a good thing.

"It doesn't bother me, we're a better team on the road," Lucroy said. "I hit better on the road anyway."

The Morning Line, 7/16 Paul Daugherty

Top o' the pipe shot morning, Mobsters. Lacking any real grist today, let's do what we sports hacks are always accused of doing. . . contrive some.

How 'bout A. Wainwright grooving a couple to Jeter to open the ASG last night? "Pipe shots,'' Waino called 'em.

Problems? Issues? Wonderments?

I don't think it's any more heinous than the fans voting Jeter to start. His numbers are decent, not start-worthy when compared to those of Alexei Ramirez, but fans wanted to see him and send him out in style.

Jeter responded with a double off a pipe shot. Cheers all around.

It's an exhibition game, K?

The commissioner can try to dress it up with the home-field advantage in the Series. That affects the fans/players of two teams. Two of 32. Think the other 30 would rather see Jeter start and double?

A generation ago, maybe, certainly two generations ago, the game was competitive. I recall the '88 ASG here, sitting in the NL dugout talking to Joe Morgan. Morgan was very plain: During his era, the NL wanted to beat the AL's brains out. Every year. And during Morgan's era, the NL mostly did just that.

That was before . Somewhat before players shared agents and soaring salaries. For we NL fans, the AL was some exotic tribe where the players were slower and struck out more, but also hit more home runs. All that mystery has been removed. I don't have a problem with that.

It's still the best stars game, by miles. NBA and NFL teams play each other all the time. Nobody wants to donate a knee to a Pro Bowl win. Nobody wants to play defense in the NBA game. There was some very good stuff last night, by guys who took it seriously and played hard.

Loved Mesoraco's bare-handed catch and snap throw.

Loved Altuve's drive off the wall. The guy is, what, about 4 foot 6?

And I loved Jeter's double, and the attention paid when he left the game. No sport honors its past the way Baseball does. So, yeah, allowing Jeter a couple freebie pitches didn't offend my tender sensibilities.

Besides, there's a decent chance MPWS won't be taking part in the Fall Classic.

Let the self-serious baseball types be aghast. I thought it was fine.

You?

ESPN.com's J. Crasnick:

If home-field advantage in the World Series is at stake, every team should not have a representative, as is the custom, and the best players need to stick around for the long haul rather than make cameos.

So, does MLB ditch the home-field carrot before next year's game here?

Crasnick says yes:

For all the mixed messages and confusion that Wainwright elicited Tuesday, he probably did Major League Baseball a favor by exposing the massive problems inherent with what the All-Star Game has become in recent years. If there were any doubt, commissioner Bud Selig's "This One Counts" initiative has outlived its usefulness and needs to be put to rest before the 2015 All- Star Game in Cincinnati.

Now, then. . .

THE ETERNAL DEBATE. Every year The Club is in contention in midsummer, we parry re trades. Deal top prospects for a chance at winning it all? Or hope you can win it all without losing the hoped-for future?

I used to issue this blanket statement: If you have a chance to win something, take it. The rewards of winning it all outweigh the loss of young, controllable (i.e. cheap) talent you lose in the process.

And, the young guys often don't work out. Take a look at all the gems the Reds drafted No. 1 in the 90s…

In some cases, Go For It still applies. It might even apply here, this year.

Might.

This is a team on the cusp.

Or, it's a team that has just enjoyed a nice, extended run of consistent Ws and soon enough will return to its April self.

I don't know.

(It's also a team with a closing window. The Reds have Cueto and Latos next year, before each is free. They can't keep both. They can hope Stephenson is of the same caliber. Big hope, that.)

On the one hand, the need is glaringly obvious: A power bat. Left field, first base, second base. Doesn't matter. Someone in the center of the lineup, to take some of the burden off Frazier and Mesoraco.

On the other, the Reds say they are limited by finances and prospects. Mid-money teams can't drop a few mil. They guard their Young Cheap Talenteds.

Fans are carping that Jocketty has not authored the definitive midseason deal since he's been here. True enough. What are you willing to give up, to see that happen?

You're not going to get a proven hitter for middling prospects. A friend yesterday suggested to me the Reds include Broxton in any deal. Jumbo Diaz, he said, can fill the role that Broxton has performed to near perfection. Shedding what's left of his $7 mil this year (and all of his $9 mil next year) would offer some payroll flex.

You like that idea?

The Reds are trying to add bullpen strength, not subtract it. And who would want to pay Broxton $9 mil next year?

Meantime, Jeff Keppinger got released by the White Sox, who have to pay him all his $4 mil salary. The Reds could sign him for the minimum. He's 34, coming off shoulder surgery last September and hasn't played all year. But he's healthy now, a lifetime .282 hitter who doesn't strike out, and knows how to play the game.

At the very least, he fills in well for DDBP and provides bench help at little cost.

Those are basically the two sides of the philosophical coin. Are you thinking that way – i.e., don't sour the future, keep the Cheaps – or are you leaning toward The Future is Now?

I honestly don't know.

THE WHOLE PETE THING just makes me yawn. Why do I think 50 years from now, when I'm very dead, call-in shows will still be talking Pete and the Big Red Machine?

Selig is so damned condescending in dealing with Rose and the Reds. The emperor sits on high, filing his nails, while the Reds grovel and hope not to piss him off. "It's sort of subjective,'' Bud decided yesterday, when asked what role Rose would be allowed to play in the ASG festivities next year.

Do tell.

I don't even want to sit here and type reasons Rose should be released from purgatory. Let's just say it's time. The man is 73 years old, and out of the game for the last 25. Meanwhile, a cynical Selig allowed him to take part in the All Century stuff several years ago, because a heavy-hitting sponsor was involved.

Rose is already in the HOF. At least his stuff is. If I'm Pete, I ask for my memorabilia to be removed from C-town until I have a plaque on the wall.

Of course, most of Rose's wounds have been self inflicted. Of course he violated MLB's most sacrosanct rule. But the HOF is a museum. Lots of bad people are in museums. If I ever took the Kid Down The Hall to C-town, I wouldn't prep him for it with a lecture on popes and saints.

McGwire and Sosa cheat, they're on the HOF ballot. A-Rod will be. McGwire works in the game. Bonds comes and goes as he pleases. Clemens and Palmeiro might be pariahs. But they're never going to be in the same jail cell as Pete.

It's beyond tiresome. Bud sits on high and doles out crumbs. The Reds bow and scrape at his feet. Rose signs autographs. Somehow, this upholds the sanctity of the sport.

All right, then.

MLB.COM

Reds already preparing to host 2015 All-Star Game Club learns from Twins' contingent, excited for Cincinnati to serve as host city By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

MINNEAPOLIS -- Having waited decades to host another All-Star Game, the Reds and Cincinnati have been preparing for it even before they knew another would come. That preparation has jumped multiple levels this week during the 2014 All-Star Game at Target Field.

Cincinnati, the next All-Star Game in July 2015 is all yours.

"I think we're more than ready," Reds chief operating officer Phil Castellini said.

The 86th edition -- at Great American Ball Park -- will be the fifth All-Star Game played in Cincinnati. It was previously held at Riverfront Stadium in 1970 and '88 and at Crosley Field in '38 and '53.

All-Star Games and their ancillary events have grown to an enormous scope since Cincinnati's last turn as host. In preparation for next year, the Reds had about 30 front-office staff members in Minneapolis -- including the ticketing department, corporate sales, media relations, security, ballpark operations and clubhouse personnel -- to watch, apprentice and take notes. People from the city of Cincinnati and civic groups also came along.

"We've been benchmarking All-Star Games since 2006," Castellini said. "We've usually sent about six people a year to the host cities. We've been keeping an eye on it but this year, the people that are here are actually participating and even working some of the events."

Designed and built for approximately $280 million, Great American Ball Park debuted on March 31, 2003, with a 10-1 Reds loss to the Pirates. The cozy-dimensioned facility, built next door to its Riverfront Stadium predecessor, now has a seating capacity for 42,319 fans.

"We've been joking that finally, Great American 'small park' is perfect for something -- that's the Home Run Derby," Castellini said.

Located on the banks of the River in downtown Cincinnati, Great American Ball Park has evolved since CEO Bob Castellini and his investors group purchased the Reds in 2006. There are more attractions on the concourses, and a riverboat-styled deck was installed over the batters' eye in center field. Before next season, Castellini said, there will be more cosmetic improvements and full renovations of some of the lower-level concession stands and a redone Riverfront Club.

As the Reds have improved on the field in recent years, GABP has also upped its profile with postseason play there in 2010 and '12. It was also featured on a national baseball stage previously when the Reds hosted the in 2009 and '10.

Bob Castellini lobbied hard for Cincinnati to get another Midsummer Classic, and he finally succeeded when MLB awarded the city the game on Jan. 23, 2013.

"It was one of my easier decisions," Commissioner Bud Selig said Tuesday. "It's a great ballpark, a great organization, great history. It was just the right place to go and the right time to do it. They've done a great job here and they'll do a great job in Cincinnati."

Besides the game itself, there will be the All-Star Futures Game, the Home Run Derby and a celebrity softball game. But like it has been this week in the Twin Cities, plenty of All-Star-related activity happens away from the stadium.

Near Target Field for several days was an All-Star block party, and a Red Carpet Parade was held before Tuesday's game. In St. Paul on Sunday, a 5K "color run" was held that drew thousands of participants. There was also a free concert at TCF Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota.

"Things like the Fan Fest and all the stuff in the ballpark, that's a pretty well-oiled machine," Phil Castellini said. "The league is in charge of it. What makes the All-Star Game unique in each hosting city is where they do the other events -- the galas, the block parties and things before the jewel event at the stadium. That's really what sets it apart. It's a real opportunity to showcase the city to do some of the parties like they've done here."

Of high importance to the Reds were the many community-related initiatives and legacy projects orchestrated by the Twins and MLB that covered brand new youth field dedications, Boys & Girls Club renovations, military programs, hospital visits and an event at the local Ronald McDonald House.

"We've seen firsthand the phenomenal growth of the legacy projects program that the Twins have taken to new heights," Reds Community Fund executive director Charley Frank said. "It's been a dizzying array of community investment that speaks to the incredible legacy of this event beyond the actual week of the game itself. I know Cincinnati, the Reds and the Castellinis will put their own unique stamp on it."

In recent years, development has boomed in and around Cincinnati -- none more pronounced than The Banks district just outside of GABP with an array of bars and restaurants, and the soon-to-be completed Smale Riverfront Park. Blocks away, a redesigned Fountain Square is often buzzing with activity and the redeveloped Over-the-Rhine neighborhood a few more blocks north has blossomed.

"I think they're ready," Reds third baseman and 2014 All-Star Todd Frazier said. "They're building more stuff -- restaurants, places to hang out and to enjoy with the family. It's a family-friendly ballpark, and it should be very exciting to have it there next year."

All of the places -- inside and outside of Great American Ball Park -- should be bustling one year from now.

"What I particularly like having seen these in a bunch of markets in a bunch of sizes, I like the All-Star Game in smaller markets because it is the thing going on -- not one of many things going on," Phil Castellini said. "We're going to have the town looking good."

In first All-Star Game, Simon thrilled to face Jeter Reds righty gives up bloop hit to Yankees legend, retires Trout, Cano, Cabrera By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

MINNEAPOLIS -- Reds starter Alfredo Simon, who didn't even know he would be in the 2014 All-Star Game until Sunday, found himself in a prime spot of the game Tuesday night.

Simon will be the last pitcher to face Derek Jeter in an All-Star Game. The National League fell to the American League, 5-3, giving the AL home-field advantage in the World Series.

The replacement for Reds ace and teammate Johnny Cueto on the NL roster, Simon took over for Clayton Kershaw and worked the bottom of the third. The right-hander pitched a scoreless inning with one hit -- a leadoff single lofted to right field from Jeter on a full-count pitch.

"It was big," Simon said of his first All-Star Game experience. "I faced Derek Jeter in his final All-Star Game. … I just feel happy. My family has seen me pitch in the All-Star Game. I'm really proud of myself."

The rest of Simon's batters were a imposing trio for any pitcher to deal with -- Mike Trout, Robinson Cano and Miguel Cabrera.

After a to Trout moved Jeter to second base, Simon struck out Cano with an 86-mph pitch. A 76-mph 3-2 curveball to Cabrera was lined hard, but right to Troy Tulowitzki at shortstop to end the inning.

"I thought he did great," said Reds All-Star third baseman Todd Frazier, who walked in his lone . "He got a strikeout. He got Cabrera to line out. I was happy for him."

Of Simon's 22 pitches, 14 were strikes.

"I just tried to put a zero on the board," Simon said. "That's my first experience. I just tried to keep the game close. It's nothing different. I just tried to do my best and that's what I did."

In his 14th and final All-Star Game, Jeter finished 2-for-2 before he exited. He led off the game with a double off Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright, who told reporters he grooved pitches over the plate to the soon-to-be retired Yankees captain, though he later backed off from his earlier comments. Simon did not take the same approach.

"I threw another fastball, 3-2, and he got a blooper in. It was OK," Simon said. "I tried to get him out, but if he got a base hit, it's no big deal. It's the All-Star Game. I'm happy for him."

It's been a breakout season for Simon, a reliever who began the year as a replacement in the Cincinnati rotation for Mat Latos. He earned his spot on the NL team by going 12-3 with a 2.70 ERA in 18 starts.

Chapman tweaks hamstring, says he'll be fine Reds closer comes up limping while covering first base in All-Star Game By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com

MINNEAPOLIS -- Injuries, or the concern about injuries, have been a frequent storyline surrounding the Reds all season -- much to their chagrin. On Tuesday night during the All-Star Game, the club was still not immune to the issue.

Reds closer Aroldis Chapman came up limping with a sore right hamstring after he covered first base on a groundout to end the bottom of the eighth inning in the National League's 5-3 loss to the American League.

"I'm not 100 percent ready to run full speed," Chapman said with D-backs catcher Miguel Montero translating. "I kind of hesitated a little bit and I just kind of took it easy to go to first."

Chapman first injured the hamstring July 6 in Cincinnati while in the outfield before a game against the Brewers. It hasn't affected any of the five regular-season games he pitched before the All-Star break as he worked five scoreless innings with one hit, one walk, four saves and 13 strikeouts out of 18 batters faced.

As for his status when the second half begins Friday against the Yankees in New York, Chapman was not concerned.

"I will be fine," Chapman said. "I've been pitching through it for a while. As long as I don't have to run, it feels good to pitch."

In the All-Star Game, Chapman replaced Tony Watson with one out in the bottom of the eighth and threw only five pitches -- four at 100 mph or more. Pitching for the first time at Target Field, fans groaned and applauded in appreciation when his first pitch to fellow Cuban Yoenis Cespedes registered 100 mph on the radar display. Cespedes, a fellow Cuban from the A's and the two-time Home Run Derby champion, grounded out to the shortstop.

Kyle Seger of the Mariners saw three pitches and hit a 102-mph fastball to the right side to Freddie Freeman, who tossed to Chapman. The Reds' closer wasn't concerned about the chances of running before the night began.

"It was the last thing that came to my mind," Chapman said. "If it happened, I knew I would have to cover the base. It did happen. Obviously, I didn't want to sprint out and blow my hamstring there. So I just took it easy and got there in enough time to get him out."

Reds catcher and fellow All-Star Devin Mesoraco was out of the game before Chapman entered and hadn't spoken to him. But he wasn't overly concerned.

"I highly anticipate that he's going to be fine, knock on wood," said Mesoraco, who went 0-for-1 with a strikeout in his Midsummer Classic debut. "We can't even catch a break at the darn All-Star Game without guys pulling up. But I have no idea."

The third All-Star experience had been an otherwise smooth affair for Chapman. There were no issues crossing paths with Cubs first baseman , who sparked a bench-clearing incident Thursday by yelling at Chapman for throwing inside to a teammate.

"I don't have a problem. There is no problem," Chapman said of Rizzo before the game and noted that they shook hands.

"We said hello," Rizzo said. "I don't see why there would be anything else other than that. It's something where it was the fifth game in four days, and a hot day. I talked to all of them -- [Alfredo] Simon, [Johnny] Cueto, [and Todd] Frazier. I was pulling for Frazier in the Derby. They're great guys, they really are."

Chapman has a 2.12 ERA with 21 saves in 23 chances in his 29 appearances for Cincinnati. Over 29 2/3 innings, he struck out 60 batters with just 10 walks. He also set a Major League record among relievers with at least one strikeout in his last 41 games dating back to last season.

Despite the outcome of his appearance Tuesday, Chapman came away with positive thoughts about the time in Minneapolis.

"I fully enjoyed it. It was a beautiful experience," Chapman said. "I'll have to come more often."

FOXSPORTSOHIO.COM

First-year manager Price piloting Reds through adversity with masterful moves Hal McCoy Ohio

CINCINNATI -- That the Cincinnati Reds are hovering near the top of the standings at the All-Star break is of seismic proportions.

Or, in the vernacular, "Who'da thunk it?"

For most of the year, the Reds training room has been more crowded than a bar serving fifty-cent beer on a Saturday night.

As former Reds manager Jack McKeon once said, "We have more MRIs than RBIs."

It was a test, a torture test, for first-year manager Bryan Price and he has more than passed, scrambling with an endless stream of mix and match lineups and batting orders and patching leaks with role players.

It began in when starting pitcher Mat Latos required knee surgery. Pitcher Homer Bailey missed three weeks of spring training. Catcher Devin Mesoraco went on the disabled list. Closer Aroldis Chapman suffered the hideous facial injury when slammed in the face by a line drive.

So Price and the Reds began the season with an arsenal already pillaged and, to nobody's surprise, the team started the season 3-8.

Rookie center fielder Billy Hamilton, whom some believed needed at least one more year in -A, started the season 0 for 12 with six strikeouts and struck out all four times he batted on .

Johnny Cueto pitched like a Cy Young Award winner to start the season and for most of the first-half, his was under 2.00 and led the league. But the team couldn't score runs for him and his won-loss record was below .500.

As the season progressed, the Milwaukee Brewers kept winning and putting distance between themselves and the rest of the division. And things didn't improve much on the medical front. Joey Votto, the $225 million first baseman, suffered a quadriceps injury and landed on the disabled list. Gold Glove tore the meniscus in his right knee and underwent surgery.

And Price kept plugging the holes as the team struggled to find the .500 level and keep itself from sinking to the bottom of the Ohio River.

There were signs, though, that if the team could get completely healthy the parts were there.

Knowing that Latos was coming off elbow surgery in the offseason, but not knowing he would wreck his knee the first week of spring training, Price decided during the winter that he would stretch out relief pitcher Alfredo Simon during spring training -- just in case.

When Latos was unable to pitch, Simon was dropped into the starting rotation. It was a stroke -- not the bad kind, a stroke of genius. By the All-Star break, the 255-pound right hander had won 12 games to lead the National League.

And Billy Hamilton's raw talent quickly surfaced. It was expected he would steal bases and he did, with regularity. The shocking thing was his defense -- highlight catch after highlight catch from a guy who signed as a shortstop and was transformed into an outfielder in a short span of two years.

Mesoraco missed the first seven games and when he returned for 13 games he hit .468 with three home runs and 13 RBI. Then he lapsed back onto the disabled list for almost three weeks.

One of the big question marks was whether Todd Frazier could handle the bat and handle third base. Through the early medical problems, he was the one rock-solid piece. He hit, played Gold Glove third base and made the All-Star team, along with Mesoraco, who continued to hit and drive in runs when he returned from the DL in early May. Cueto and closer Chapman also made the All- Star team.

But it was two months of major struggles. Then Votto returned, although still hobbling, and Bruce returned from knee surgery after only three weeks. Cueto continued to pitch on a top of the mountain-top level and began to win.

The nadir was an 8 1/2-game deficit and fourth place and only the Les Miserables Cubs were below them in the standings.

Things snapped into place in June. The Reds went 18-10 in June to keep pace with the Brewers, who also went 18-10. Then the Brewers began losing, a stretch during which they lost 10 of 11. Their skid was started when the Reds took two of three from them in early July. The Reds have handled them all year, winning seven of the 10 games they played against the Brewers.

In a span of 17 days, the Reds scrambled from 8 1/2 games out of first place to 1 1/2 just days before the break.

Through it all, two facets of the Reds never wavered. As a former pitching coach, Price is big on pitching and defense. The starting pitching staff of Johnny Cueto, Alfredo Simon, Homer Bailey, and Mat Latos was the best in the business. The defense was the best in the league with fewest errors and best defensive percentage and eye-popping and jaw-dropping plays by shortstop Zack Cozart, third baseman Todd Frazier, second baseman Brandon Phillips, center fielder Billy Hamilton, right fielder Jay Bruce and left fielder were commonplace.

But on the last week before the break, the training room began to fill up again. Votto went back on the DL. Brandon Phillips tore a ligament on his left thumb diving for a ball and required surgery and an absence predicted at six weeks. Skip Schumaker banged his head on the right field wall trying to catch a ball and was placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list.

"Man, this is something else. After patching ourselves up after six weeks and start playing well, it all starts (injuries) again, we're getting hit with injuries again," said Price. "But we endured before and we'll endure again.

On the last Friday before the All-Star break, playing against Pittsburgh, Price had only three position players on the bench. When starter Mat Latos suffered back spasms and had to leave after five innings, pitcher Mike Leake pinch-hit for him.

Jay Bruce, who had never played first base professionally, volunteered and Price used him at first base for several games -- a Gold Glove right fielder, who had never played first base, volunteering to help out.

Price also used catcher Brayan Pena at first base and third baseman Todd Frazier at first base because without Votto the team had no legitimate first baseman to plug in.

Price, though, believes in the rotation of Pena, Frazier and Bruce through the first base door and said, "Those are great options. I don't want to have Bruce over there a bunch because he is a premiere right fielder and I don't want to take him out of that position. And we have a premiere third baseman in Frazier. Pena is going to catch some. In some games, I might want Bruce in right, Frazier at third and Pena behind the plate, so there is another opportunity and maybe that's where Ryan Ludwick comes into play. That's potentially another option."

Ludwick hadn't played first base since he was five years old, but he quickly ordered a first baseman's glove and began taking ground balls at first base.

Outfielder/infielder Schumaker is in awe of what Bruce volunteered to do.

"It's awesome what Jay is doing," said Schumaker. "It just shows what kind of team we have here. You talk about a guy with a big- time future in this game in right field willing to take a bullet for us and go play first, that's not an easy task. I've done it before, move from the outfield to the infield, and it's a tough thing to do. The game is so much faster, there are so many things to think about, like where to be. And you have big guys hitting balls hard at you."

On the night Latos left after five innings, the Reds were down 5-1, and they were still behind 5-3 in the eighth inning, facing left hander Tony Watson, 5-0 out of the Pirates bullpen.

Mesoraco led the eighth with a home run. Then came four straight singles, a game-tying single by plug-in second baseman Ramon Santiago, who had three hits, and a tie-breaking single by pinch-hitter Brayan Pena and the Reds won, 6-5.

"Fortunately, the All-Star break couldn't come at a better time for us," said general manager Walt Jocketty. "The four days off gives us a chance to rest all these injuries."

Through it all, manager Price's upper lip stiffened and the smile never left his face, quite an accomplishment for a first-year manager scrambling to put competitive teams on the field night after night after night.

"For me, to stress over the fact that we have only three bench players for a night and a team that is banged up doesn't do any good," he said. "And I don't feel any extra pressure because of it because it is the hand we are currently dealt and we just play it. And to the credit of the players, they are playing their tails off."

Chapman comes up gimpy as NL loses to AL 5-3 Kevin Goheen FOX Sports Ohio

The American League beat the National League 5-3 on Tuesday night at Target Field in Minneapolis in the 85th Major League Baseball All-Star Game, but the Reds are going to be more concerned with the health of closer Aroldis Chapman.

Chapman entered the game with one out in the eighth inning and retired Oakland's Yoenis Cespedes and Seattle's Kyle Seager on groundouts. Chapman appeared to be limping as he covered first base on Seager's grounder to Atlanta's Freddie Freeman.

Chapman was held out of action against Milwaukee on July 6 because of a hamstring injury. He pitched on five of the last six days prior to the All-Star break, striking out 13 of the 18 batters he faced, including striking out the side in his last two appearances against Pittsburgh.

In the All-Star Game, Chapman threw five pitches -- all fastballs and all clocked at 99 mph or faster with four of them hitting triple digits.

The Reds return from the All-Star break on Friday when they open up a three-game series in New York against the Yankees.

Through an interpreter after the game, Chapman told reporters his right hamstring has been bothering him when he runs but he was pitching through it and expected to continue to do so.

Chapman was one of five Reds represented on the National League team.

Pitcher Alfredo Simon was the first Reds player to make an appearance, entering the game in the third inning to face the top of the AL lineup with the NL trailing 3-2. He gave up an opposite field single to Derek Jeter of the Yankees, who went to second on a wild pitch but no farther in his final All-Star Game appearance. Jeter was replaced by Alexei Ramirez of the White Sox in the top of the fourth inning.

Simon got Mike Trout of the Angels to line out to left fielder Carlos Gomez of Milwaukee, struck out Seattle's Robinson Cano and then got Detroit's Miguel Cabrera to line out to shortstop Troy Tulowitzki of Colorado.

The NL tied the game, 3-3, in the top of the fourth with a two-out RBI double by Milwaukee catcher Jonathan Lucroy that scored Dee Gordon of the Dodgers from first base.

Devin Mesoraco of the Reds replaced Lucroy in the bottom of the inning. He went 0-for-1, striking out against Boston's Koji Uehara in the sixth with a runner on third base. Mesoraco nearly made the defensive play of the game when he rebounded a wild pitch off the wall behind home plate in the fifth inning with one hand. Alexei Ramirez just beat Mesoraco's throw to Aramis Ramirez to safely get back to third base.

Todd Frazier, fresh off his appearance in the final of Monday's Home Run Derby, entered the game in the bottom of the sixth to replace Aramis Ramirez at third base. The ball found him right away as he took a groundball hit by Cespedes (who beat Frazier to win his second straight Home Run Derby title).

Frazier walked on four pitches against Seattle's Fernando Rodney in the eighth inning in his only plate appearance.

Johnny Cueto was unavailable to pitch for the NL. He started on Sunday against Pittsburgh, getting his 10th win of the season by going six innings, allowing five hits and three runs in a 6-3 win.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Island influx: Cespedes, Puig, Abreu among five Cuban All-Stars AP

MINNEAPOLIS — Aroldis Chapman wanted to interview Yasiel Puig, the star who shaved a star on the left side of his head for the for the All-Star Game.

At the National League's media session Monday, the Cincinnati Reds closer managed to squeeze in among the reporters and cameras, and he extended a tape recorder.

''So, how does it feel to be at an All-Star Game?'' Chapman asked.

Puig responded: ''I'm here talking to someone who looks ugly.''

Five Cubans are on the rosters for Tuesday night's game at Target Field: Chapman earned his third selection, and Puig is a first-time All-Star along with Oakland outfielder Yoenis Cespedes and first baseman Jose Abreu and shortstop Alexei Ramirez.

Ramirez and Chapman were teammates on the gold medal-winning team at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro.

''It kind of feel like old times playing with the national team in Cuba,'' Ramirez said. ''We got this vibe, in which we try to be happy all time, having fun, playing dominoes.''

''We left a country looking to make a dream come true, which is to play in the best baseball league in the world,'' added Ramirez. ''We have accomplished that and here we are, at the All-Star Game.''

Cespedes won the All-Star Home Run Derby for the second year in a row Monday night, powering his way past Cincinnati's Todd Frazier 9-1 in the final round to become the first repeat winner since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1998 and '99.

Puig, wearing a bright yellow sleeve on his right arm, was eliminated in the first round and became the first homerless participant since Robinson Cano two years ago in Kansas City.

Cespedes won the derby last year, even though he wasn't an All-Star. He's batting .246 this season with 14 homers and 56 RBIs.

''The Cuban league is below the major leagues levels, but the Cuban players have shown that we are capable to shine here,'' he said. ''Last year, I was only invited to the derby. That was a nice experience, but it wasn't the same thing. I wanted to feel like an All-Star. This year I was able to do it.''

There were a record 19 Cubans on Opening-Day rosters and disabled lists, four more than the previous mark set last year and third among foreign-born players behind only the Dominican Republic (82) and Venezuela (59).

Abreu, who made his big-league debut this season, is hitting .292 with 73 RBI and a league-leading 29 homers.

''After all we have gone through, this is big in our lives, and we felt so proud of doing well,'' he said. ''We have the abilities to perform.''

Puig, a sensation since he was called up to the Dodgers in June last year, is hitting .309 with 12 homers and 52 RBI. He was elected to a starting outfield spot by fans.

''This the sort of stuff all Cuban players dream since they were kids, being here at an All-Star game, playing at a World Series,'' he said. ''We are five this year, and I hope we can add some more next year.''

Abreu and Puig text each other regularly during the season to discuss how to improve their play. Cespedes, who played against Puig in Cuba, was impressed with his compatriot's increased maturity and diminished flashiness.

''He was very young when he arrived here with so much desire to play and prove himself. That's the reason he got into some things,'' Cespedes said. ''On his second year, he knows the league and he's more calm.''

Tony Oliva, an eight-time All-Star who played from the Twins from 1962-75, would like to see more Cubans in the big leagues, too. Oliva, who turns 76 on July 20, left Cuba for the in 1961.

''If we managed to get a normalization of the ties between the two countries and they can get here in the United States,'' he said, ''there will be more and more Cubans in the majors.''

Selig says Rose could play All-Star role in 2015 Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS - Pete Rose might have a role to play in next year's All-Star game in Cincinnati despite his lifetime ban from baseball.

The career hits leader generally is not allowed in any areas of major league ballparks not open to fans. But the former Reds star was allowed to participate in baseball's All-Century team ceremony at Atlanta's during the 1999 World Series and was permitted to be on the field at Great American Ballpark in 2010 for a ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of his record- setting 4,192nd hit.

He also was on the field in Cincinnati last September for the unveiling of a bronze sculpture honoring Hall of Fame teammate Joe Morgan.

The Reds host the 2015 All-Star game on July 14, and Commissioner Bud Selig left open the possibility Rose could play a part. "That will be up to the Cincinnati club, and they know what they can do and can't do," Selig told the Baseball Writers' Association of America on Tuesday. "It's sort of been subjective. But they've done some things with Pete, but they've been very, very thoughtful and limited. But that's a subject that I'm sure they'll discuss in the next year."

Rose, who famously bowled over catcher Ray Fosse to win the 1970 All-Star game at Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium, agreed to the lifetime ban in August 1989 following an investigation by Major League Baseball that concluded he bet on the Reds to win while managing the team. He applied for reinstatement in September 1997 and met with Selig in November 2002.

Selig, who plans to retire in January, has never ruled on Rose's application.

"It's under advisement. My standard line," Selig said. "I'm the judge and that's where it will stay. Nothing new in that statement, I understand."

Now 73, Rose admitted in a 2004 autobiography that his previous gambling denials were false.

Last month, he managed the Bridgeport Bluefish for one game in the independent Atlantic League.

TRANSACTIONS

07/15/14 Indians optioned Zach McAllister to Columbus Clippers. Seattle Mariners released C John Buck. Los Angeles Dodgers sent Clint Robinson outright to Albuquerque Isotopes. sent Brandon Hicks outright to Fresno Grizzlies. signed SS Hansel Moreno. Arizona Diamondbacks signed 1B Frangel Feliciano.