Updated: June 27, 2006

Wedge gets coach ticket to All-Star Game

Cleveland.com
Indians Insider

St. Louis--Eric Wedge kept his opinions to himself Monday afternoon about what Indians he considers worthy of playing in the All-Star Game July 11 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. There is one secret he can't keep -- the Indians manager is an All-Star himself.

American League manager Ozzie Guillen picked Wedge and Toronto manager John Gibbons to be two of his coaches. The selection was announced Monday, but Guillen asked Wedge in April when the Indians opened the season against Chicago at U.S. Cellular Field.

"I have a lot of respect for Eric Wedge and John Gibbons, and what they've been able to accomplish with the Indians and Blue Jays," Guillen said. "Every time we play those teams, it's a battle for the White Sox."

It will be Wedge's first All-Star Game.

"I'm honored that Ozzie thought of me," Wedge said. "It will be exciting to be a small part of it."

As for what Indians should join him, Wedge said, "We've got a couple of guys. . . . I don't like to name names. I don't want to miss anybody."

Travis Hafner is the Indians' most dangerous hitter, but his chances of going to Pittsburgh might be hurt because the DH will not be used in the National League park. National League manager Phil Garner picked Tribe scout Chuck Tanner to be the NL's honorary captain.

Wedge said his wife, Kate, and baby daughter, Ava Catherine, will go to the All-Star Game with him.