K-Rod a postseason all star

In what might have been the easiest choice the Sporting News crew needed to make, Francisco Rodriguez was named the American League relief pitcher on their postseason all-star squad. Here are the Sporting News picks, which were just announced via e-mail.

SPORTING NEWS’ ALL-STAR TEAMS

A.L.
C Joe Mauer, Twins
1B Justin Morneau, Twins
2B Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox
3B Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
SS Derek Jeter, Yankees
OF Carlos Quentin, White Sox
OF Josh Hamilton, Rangers
OF Grady Sizemore, Indians
DH Aubrey Huff, Orioes
SP Cliff Lee, Indians
RP Francisco Rodriguez, Angels

N.L.
C Geovany Soto, Cubs
1B Albert Pujols, Cardinals
2B Chase Utley, Phillies
3B David Wright, Mets
SS Hanley Ramirez, Marlins
OF Matt Holliday, Rockies
OF Ryan Braun, Brewers
OF Ryan Ludwick, Cardinals
SP Tim Lincecum, Giants
RP Brad Lidge, Phillies

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Elimination infuriates Lackey

The best team didn’t win in John Lackey’s humble opinion. Not long after the Red Sox won the ALDS with a walk-off victory Monday, Lackey was seething.

“They were better than us last year,” Lackey said. “They weren’t better than us this year.”

And there was this: “It’s like I want to throw something through a wall.”

And don’t even compare this ALDS to last year’s.

“It’s frustrating,” Lackey said. “It’s way different than last year. We’re a better team than they are.”

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Angels bullpen on the ready

Manager Mike Scioscia has already said that even though the bullpen was needed to absorb 7 1/3 innings Sunday, everybody is available for Game 4. Scot Shields pitched 2 1/3 innings and Jered Weaver went 2 innings, but Scioscia said that both could pitch today if needed. Darren Oliver (a third of an inning Sunday) might get more use than normal. Scioscia was noncommitial on using rookie Kevin Jepsen saying the staff is looking at situations “that might or might not be his role.”

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Red Sox lose Lowell

The Red Sox just announced that third baseman Mike Lowell was removed from the ALDS roster because of his ongoing right hip strain. He will be replaced by infielder Gil Velazquez. Lowell started Games 1 and 3 and was hitless in eight at-bats against the Angels. Because he was replaced, Lowell would not be eligible to play in the ALCS if the Red Sox advance. Velazquez has just eight major-league at-bats with one hit.

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