I’m not an All-Star (like 8 other guys on the Cubs!), but for me, I’ve come a long way. Two years ago I wasn’t even on the ballot, and this year I received over two million votes from fans. I’m very appreciative of that, though I think it’s a reflection of our team’s success... I think fans can relate to a guy like me. There are certain things that the Alfonso Soriano’s, Aramis Ramirez’s and Derek Lee’s of the world can do that fans and normal players just can’t do. They’re such superstars. I think fans can relate to a guy who grinds it out, hustles, sets the table. It reminds them of when they played Babe Ruth ball when they were younger. When you have Chase Utley and Dan Uggla at your position, hitting homers every day, you don’t really expect to go to the All-Star Game. The Cubs lead the league in runs, so I’m getting to hit with a lot of guys on base. There were some things about the first half of the season that I didn’t like, like I struck out 70 times. I don’t think I’ve ever struck out that many times that quick. It sounds cliché, but winning hides a lot of flaws in your stats and accentuates the good things you’ve done. I’ll be spending the all-star break not far from Yankee Stadium, but in a much different environment. I’ll be at the Jersey Shore with my family, I’ll get to see my brother, my mom and dad and my brother’s kids. It takes me back to summer days growing up in New Jersey, going to the boardwalk and hanging out at the beach… I’ll probably get a couple rounds of golf in. I’d much prefer to be sitting on the bench at the All-Star Game, though. Mark DeRosa is a second baseman/outfielder for the Chicago Cubs. His blog runs regularly at www.playerpress.com. ALL-STAR COMPARISON *Dan Uggla, 2B, Florida: .289, 23 HR, 59 RBIMark DeRosa, 2B, Chicago: .283, 11 HR, 50 RBI*Cristian Guzman, SS, Wash.: .313, 5 HR, 30 RBI*Miguel Tejada, SS, Houston: .275, 10 HR, 44 RBI *--Chosen for All-Star Game, NOT voted in by fans