AL Race Tightens As Swisher Re-Takes Lead Over Youkilis, Konerko Moves Into Third; Votto Still Atop NL Ballot

NEW YORK, July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Just 24 hours after losing the top spot, Nick Swisher of the New York Yankees has re-gained the lead over Kevin Youkilis of the Boston Red Sox by less than 1 percentage point, setting the stage for another dramatic ending in the storied rivalry between their franchises and a frantic final day of online fan balloting in the 2010 All-Star Game Final Vote Sponsored by Sprint, available exclusively on MLB.com and the individual Club sites.

Heading into the final hours, this year's American League race was the tightest in the program's nine-year history with Swisher's advantage over Youkilis currently standing at less than 1 percent. In addition, Paul Konerko of the Chicago White Sox made a move toward the top by passing Michael Young of the Texas Rangers for third place. They were followed by Minnesota Twins outfielder Delmon Young.

On the National League ballot, Joey Votto of the Cincinnati Reds maintained his pace and held the Senior Circuit lead over Ryan Zimmerman (Washington Nationals), Billy Wagner (Atlanta Braves), Carlos Gonzalez (Colorado Rockies), and Heath Bell (San Diego Padres).

Buoyed by the success of last year's "Bran-Torino" alliance that pushed Brandon Inge and Shane Victorino to All-Star Final Vote victory, six of the 10 candidates' Clubs have formed official alliances to help their fan bases collaborate to get their players to the Midsummer Classic in Anaheim. The three alliances announced were: Reds and Red Sox (1975 World Series); Nationals and Rangers (Third Base Ticket); and Rox and (White) Sox.

The ninth annual All-Star Game Final Vote ballot commenced exclusively on MLB.com and the individual Club sites at 1 p.m. (EDT) this past Sunday and will continue until balloting concludes tomorrow at 4 p.m. (EDT).

Originally introduced during this year's online balloting for the elected starters, fans can campaign for their favorite player on the Final Vote ballot through MLB.com's All-Star Campaign Manager program, tallying points by getting their friends, family and co-workers to vote through social networking, and competing to be recognized as an "official" Final Vote Campaign Manager for any player they helped support.

Mobile voting is available exclusively on Sprint, Nextel and Boost capable mobile phones and fans can send the word "Vote" to 1122 to receive the 2010 All-Star Game Final Vote Sponsored by Sprint ballot. Message and data rates may apply. In Canada, fans can text "Vote" to 88555. Standard text rates apply.

SOURCE MLB.com