DP and Rodney having some fun. (Credit: Marc Topkin)

Interesting news for the Rays from Kansas City yesterday. Rays fans hoped that David Price, who leads the AL in wins, would be the starter for the American League in the All-Star Game, but Washington chose otherwise, picking Justin Verlander. Rays fans were upset… until Washington said that he picked Verlander after the Rays told him that they only wanted Price to throw one inning in the game. OK, best keep him fresh for the long haul- and let’s be honest, that saves the Rays some arbitration money. Price will toss an inning in the game, and Fernando Rodney will also get in- hopefully as the AL’s closer.

The Home Run Derby is tonight, and we tip our caps to the two Rays who participated in the Derby: Evan Longoria in 2008 and Carlos Pena in 2009. Good luck to all the participants, and hopefully all the AL players will lose their swings and give the Rays an advantage in the second half.

Another random note is that the Rays signed outfielder Manuel Castillo out of Venezuela for $30,000. He’s the brother of their more high-profile signing, lefty Jose Castillo.