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Before the 2011 Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game in Phoenix (just after the Futures Game the Sunday before the All-Star Game), ESPN's Erin Andrews had nearly all the players in the game sign a jersey to benefit the family of Shannon Stone, the Brownwood firefighter who died after falling about 20 feet over the rail in left-center in early July.

The jersey will be auctioned off starting July 28 at MLB.com with the proceeds going to the Memorial Fund for the Stone family set up by the Texas Rangers Foundation. The auction will last for a week.

Some of the nearly 30 celebrities who signed the jersey: Andrews, Nick Jonas, Jordin Sparks, Rickey Henderson, Joe Torre, Kate Upton, Chris Pratt, Greg Grunberg, Rollie Fingers, Chord Overstreet, James Denton, Larry Fitzgerald and many more, with signatures witnessed and documented by MLB authenticators.

SEATTLE -- Rangers pitcher C.J. Wilson got the opportunity to photograph the Home Run Derby at Chase Field in Arizona on Monday night.

He has uploaded some of those photos to his web site and you can see some of the other ones he's done (including some really cool ones earlier this season at Safeco Field here in Seattle). He's going to continue to upload photos, so you can refresh throughout the day and see some more.

Anyway, it's worth taking a look. It's a fun hobby for Wilson and, as you can see, he's good at it.

SEATTLE -- Rangers bullpen catcher Josh Frasier didn't get much of a break during the three-day All-Star Game hiatus. And he was thrilled about it.

The catcher, in his 11th season with the Rangers, got the chance to travel to the All-Star Game with the Rangers' coaching staff.

"It was great," Frasier said. "To get to be there with all of those guys was unbelievable."

Frasier said he shagged balls in the outfield and caught some bullpens Monday and Tuesday. He was in the bullpen as everyone warmed up, getting the opportunity to see some of the best pitchers in the league. And even though Justin Verlander didn't pitch in the game, he did throw a bullpen session before the game and Frasier considered that one of his great thrills.

"It was amazing," Frasier said. "You know why these guys are so good after catching them. It's one thing watching them on TV, but actually being back there and how well they locate and how crisp their stuff is was neat. Catching Verlander was great. He can go in and out and just has good command."

Frasier said he flew out with Gio Gonzalez, who was in Texas as the A's finished the first half against the Rangers.

"He was a nice guy and we got to visit," Frasier said. "All of those guys were awesome. It was a great experience."

PHOENIX -- After the game had ended and American League manager Ron Washington had finished answering media questions in the interview room, he sat down in an office in the visiting clubhouse and took a deep breath.

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"That was fun," Washington said. "They got the big knock and we couldn't do anything against that bullpen. But this whole thing was fun."

As Washington spoke, a representative from Major League Baseball was busy tagging his official scorecard to show it was authentic. He did the same with Washington's jersey. The items will likely be auctioned off for charity.

For more than a month now, Washington has carried around a huge manila f0lder labeled "All-Star Game" with statistics and information he needed to help make his final decisions on the roster. Once that was completed, Washington vowed to enjoy the ride and he did, despite a 5-1 loss to the National League at Chase Field on Tuesday.

"I'd love to do this again because it means we did something special," Washington said. "Being around these guys was awesome."

Washington took the opportunity to thank his coaches, taking them to nice steak dinner on Monday night after the All-Star teams worked out and Washington had a chance to watch part of the Home Run Derby.

"They mean everything to me," Washington said about the coaching staff. "They're the ones that get the message out. They're the ones that keep their ears to the ground and let me know when there's something that needs to be handled. That's what a good coaching staff does. Anything they can take care of, they keep away from me.

"I trust those guys."

Washington went home last night and will fly to Seattle with the team later today to start the second half against the Mariners on Thursday.

PHOENIX -- Just before the Rangers split up Sunday afternoon for the All-Star break, manager Ron Washington made one request: "Have fun for three days, but don't shut it down mentally."

It was Washington's way of imploring his players to stay focused on the team goals, but also take a break. He hopes when the Rangers reassemble in Seattle on Thursday that the momentum built from seven consecutive wins hasn't disappeared. And he was already thinking about that even before he trotted out to manage the American League in the All-Star Game.

"You never know what's what until you come back and start playing," Washington said hours before the All-Star Game on Tuesday. "We're very comfortable we can come out and play our style of baseball."

The Rangers did a better job of that in series sweeps of Baltimore and Oakland to finish the first half. Texas batted .351 as a team in those seven straight wins with 10 homers and 51 RBIs, averaging 7.6 runs per game. The pitching staff posted a 3.00 ERA and held opponents to a .213 average and 22 runs in those games (3.14 per game).

"What happened in those seven days is we were to play the type of baseball we consider Texas Rangers baseball," Washington said. "We got some balls hit out of the ballpark, but we also did some good things with outs, some good things on the base paths and we pitched again. We played some defense. That’s what we have to do every day."

Washington added that the seven games are now in the past and that "the most important part of the year is going to be coming up pretty soon."

The Rangers begin a four-game series in Seattle on Thursday. That's followed by an off day and then three game in Anaheim. Texas plays the Angels 13 times in the second half, 10 of those in Anaheim. When the second half begins, the Rangers will have a one-game lead on the Angels, who have won 14 of the last 17.

A Humble, Texas, couple won their dream wedding at the MLB All-Star FanFest in Phoenix.

PHOENIX – Michael Young stood on the first-base line with a couple of Rangers teammates during pregame introductions and smiled. Young looked around and saw an All-Star Game in Arizona that had a Texas flair to it.

There was manager Ron Washington, firing up his squad with a pregame speech and flashing that broad, infectious smile. And outfielder Josh Hamilton, making his fourth consecutive start after an emotional weekend and getting a lift from the sellout crowd at Chase Field with a nice ovation when he was introduced. He added a hit in the fourth. Third baseman Adrian Beltre got a chance to start for the first time and hit behind Hamilton, something he’s done many times this season. He also had a hit.

Despite a rough fourth inning in which he allowed a three-run, go-ahead homer to Prince Fielder and took the loss, Rangers lefty C.J. Wilson soaked up the entire experience as a first-time participant. He took photographs and tweeted during the Home Run Derby and spent time chatting with his teammates. Alexi Ogando got to pitch to two batters, needing just six pitches to retire Andrew McCutchen and Joey Votto on ground balls.

But there was Young, standing in the dugout enjoying the game and then trotting out to third base late as a reserve. Young refuses to take the All-Star Game for granted.

Sure, he wouldn’t mind three days of quality time with his wife, Cristina, and young sons Mateo and Emilio. But getting the All-Star break off is something Young has experienced only once in the last eight seasons (2010). He’s been a constant at the game, usually selected by his peers to join the midseason party. It’s a testament to his ability to play outstanding baseball on a consistent basis.

“It’s nice to get a break, but you always want to be an All-Star,” Young said.

He was back on Tuesday, selected at his third different position (and playing at his fourth different position in the All-Star Game), something few players can claim.

Young said there’s something special about each of his All-Star trips. On Tuesday, it was the strong Texas theme that Young will remember most.

“For me, having this many guys I play with here and having our staff here makes it really fun,” Young said. “I’ve never had an opportunity to go with so many people from our organization. This is fun.”

For Young, 2011 has been a different season. He moved to designated hitter and has had to learn how to pace himself during games to be ready to hit. He's learning how to play first base and getting reacquainted with second and third. But where he plays on the field doesn't seem to impact his at-bats. Young is still hitting over .300 and driving in runs (second most on the team). Washington has called him the first-half MVP.

“He’s been very important,” Washington said. “He’s had unselfish play. He’s done whatever has been asked of him to do. He hasn’t one time complained about anything. There was talk about how he was going to play all these different positions and how he was going to do, but I think he’s put all that to rest.”

Young said he’s happy as a Ranger and has moved on past an offseason that included his request to be traded.

“I think a lot of things got twisted and turned as to why everything happened in the offseason, but it’s over with now,” Young said. “I’m completely focused on the present and that’s playing winning baseball with a great group of teammates and a really good coaching staff.

“It’s easy for me to focus on that right now. When I go to the ballpark I see people and teammates I genuinely like and respect and I really want them to do well. It’s a great place to come to work every day and in that sense it makes every day fun.”

Young admitted after Tuesday’s game that he thought about the fact that it was his first time on the losing end of an All-Star Game. But now that it’s over, he’ll focus on the second half and other goals.

“Those goals start and end with team,” Young said. “But there are definitely things in my career I’d like to accomplish. I think that’s part of being an athlete. You are driven toward goals. I’m the same way. I have a lot of things I want to accomplish. I want to keep those inside, because I think it’s good to keep the fire burning inside. My goals start with health and consistency. If I do those things, I feel I’ll find ways to always be productive.”

And if he does those things, he hopes he’ll keep getting invited to the All-Star Game.

“It’s always fun to be here,” Young said. “You never get tired of that.”

PHOENIX -- The National League defeated the American League, 5-1, as all five Rangers players got into the game. As has been the case in several All-Star Games recently, the Rangers factored into the outcome. C.J. Wilson allowed the go-ahead three-run homer in the fourth to Prince Fielder and the NL never looked back. Some Rangers-specific thoughts on tonight's game:

* Josh Hamilton received a nice ovation from the Arizona crowd during the pregame introductions. On Monday, Hamilton said it had been a "roller coaster" weekend and he was still thinking about Shannon Stone and his family.

* Hamilton, playing left field, was 1-for-2 in the game. He has a hit in each of his four All-Star appearances (all starts).

* Wilson came in for the fourth inning and gave up the go-ahead homer to Milwaukee's Fielder, taking the loss in the game. Wilson allowed consecutive singles to Carlos Beltran and Matt Kemp before Fielder blasted a 2-2 pitch off the top of the wall and then over it in left-center. It was a shot. And it was enough to give the National League home-field advantage for the World Series.

"It's a total failure when you give up a three-run home run in an All-Star Game," Wilson said. "Bummer. Now it's time to go home to the beach."

Wilson said the entire experience was still a great one for him and he was glad to be able to spend time with the other All-Stars.

* Adrian Beltre said he enjoyed his All-Star experience. The starting third baseman had a single in the fourth that he thought was going to be an RBI. But Arlington's Hunter Pence of the Houston Astros charged the ball in left field and threw a bullet to home plate, getting Jose Bautista. Rangers third-base coach Dave Anderson didn't appear to make any sign, probably letting Bautista decide. Judging by Bautista's wide turn, he may have decided to try it no matter what. Should Anderson have put up the hold sign?

* Michael Young got in the game in the seventh inning at third base, the position he played in 2009 and 2010 for the Rangers (and was an All-Star at in 2009). He led off the ninth inning and struck out against Pittsburgh closer Joel Hanrahan.

* Alexi Ogando had a quick, but successful appearance. He came in to start the eighth inning and got Andrew McCutchen to softly chop one back to the mound and retired Joey Votto on a ground ball to Young at third. Manager Ron Washington then made a pitching change, ending Ogando's night after six pitches. One registered 99 mph, according to the TV broadcast.

* The entire Rangers coaching staff was introduced to the Chase Field crowd during the first inning. That group, here with Washington, included pitching coach Mike Maddux, hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh, bench coach Jackie Moore, bullpen coach Andy Hawkins, first-base coach Gary Pettis and Anderson. Bullpen catcher Josh Frazier also made the trip.

PHOENIX -- Rangers left-handed starter C.J. Wilson came in for the fourth inning and gave up three straight hits, including a homer to Milwaukee's Prince Fielder to give the National League a 3-1 lead.

Carlos Beltran and Matt Kemp had consecutive singles before Fielder belted a 2-2 cutter that hit the top of the wall in left-center and then went over it.

Josh Hamilton and Adrian Beltre both had singles in the top of the fourth. Hamilton hit his against Cliff Lee, ending the former Ranger's night. Beltre's came off Tyler Clippard, but Jose Bautista was thrown out at the plate by Arlington's Hunter Pence in left field.

PHOENIX -- After an emotional weekend, Josh Hamilton received a nice ovation from the sellout crowd at Chase Field during the starting lineup introductions for the American League.

Hamilton said Monday that it was a "roller coaster" weekend. The way Hamilton has handled himself following the passing of Brownwood firefighter Shannon Stone has impressed his teammates and coaches and, clearly, many fans too.

It was a good way to start the All-Star Game for Hamilton.

PHOENIX -- Normally, Rangers bullpen coach Andy Hawkins has a little downtime before he has to worry about getting relievers loose.

But in tonight's All-Star Game, he'll be busy the entire way through. The plan is to have pitchers throw one inning each, and some of those are starters, who require more time to warm up.

"We've told most of the guys the plan because we want them to have plenty of time to warm up," Hawkins said. "I'll just make sure they are ready. The only thing you have to be aware of is you don't know when a quick inning might come, so you have to be ready."

Hawkins said it's been fun participating in this All-Star Game. The coaches had dinner together Monday night and have tried to take it all in and enjoy themselves.

"It's a neat experience," Hawkins said. "My job is easy. They really don't need my help, but I'll be there in case."

PHOENIX -- American League manager Ron Washington said he and his coaching staff have planned the pitching rotation for the first four innings of tonight's All-Star Game.

"After that, we'll see how it goes," Washington said.

Rangers starter C.J. Wilson is expected to pitch the third inning. Depending on how the first few innings go, Wilson could face the bottom of the National League order -- Matt Holliday, Troy Tulowitzki and Scott Rolen -- or even come around to leadoff hitter Rickie Weeks and DH Carlos Beltran. We'll see.

Jered Weaver will pitch one inning to start the game, followed by Josh Beckett. Seattle's Michael Pineda is slated to pitch the fourth.

PHOENIX -- Manfield product Jordan Walden, the Angels' closer, knows what an amazing year it's been for him.

The 23-year-old has 20 saves since being named the closer early in the season and has a 2.84 ERA. It's landed him here at Chase Field for tonight's All-Star Game and the rookie could see himself in a critical spot late in the game. He's here because the players voted Walden onto the team.

"This time last year I was in the Double-A All-Star Game," Walden said. "Everything happened so quick, from Triple-A to the big leagues, and three games into the season I was the closer. Now, I'm at the All-Star Game. I never thought this would happen."

Walden credited his club's defense for not only helping him, but helping the team win 14 of the last 17 games heading into the break, sitting just one game behind the Rangers.

"Those guys are getting to everything," Walden said. "When you have three center fielders out there, that's what happens. We have a lot of young guys coming up, too."

Walden expects the Rangers and Angels to fight it out for the rest of the season.

"We both have good teams," Walden said. "We have good pitching, they have good offense. We play them a lot coming up. I'm really looking forward to playing them. We play them 13 more times this season and 10 of them in Anaheim. They get to come to our ballpark."

PHOENIX -- Philadelphia starter Cliff Lee said hello to some of his former teammates Monday and admitted that he still follows the Rangers' progress, though not as much as he would if he'd signed with a club in the American League.

Lee was pleased to see that left-hander C.J. Wilson, who talked a lot last year about how he learned plenty from Lee following the trade a year ago that brought Lee to Texas, made his first All-Star Game.

"Obviously for him to be an All-Star he’s had a pretty good year and he’s had good stuff since he was in the bullpen four or five years ago," Lee said. "I think getting a chance to start his first full season last year, he’s come in and built on that. He’s got good pitches. He knows how to throw each pitch and make it have the right action. He’s got good stuff. For him, it’s just more of getting an opportunity to start and having that first full season last year is helping him improve this year.

"He knows what to expect and especially us getting to the World Series last year, he played the season plus the postseason. He knew what to prepare for and what to expect. He probably had an idea of what that was going to be before, but now he really knows."

PHOENIX -- American League manager Ron Washington made sure to talk to his squad prior to Monday's workouts and stressed having fun, but also playing a smart, aggressive baseball game. In other words: business as usual for Washington.

That's how Washington has managed the Rangers for 4 1/2 seasons now. He keeps things loose, supports his team, but stresses doing the little things to win games. The past two seasons in particular, the Rangers have improved on moving runners over, taking the extra base on balls in the dirt and having productive outs. Washington wants the same thing from his AL squad in tonight's All-Star Game.

"I want them reading balls in the dirt," Washington said. "I want them going from first to third. They can steal bags -- if they get an opportunity, take it. The way I put it in a nutshell was: 'Play the game of baseball unrestricted.'"

Washington said he has a bunch of run producers, so he'll just "stand out of the way and watch them score runs." And, of course, he wants to win.

“That’s what we’re here for,” Washington said. “Anytime you compete, that’s what it’s about: winning. I want them to understand that it’s about homefield advantage and one of their teams is going to the World Series.”

Washington said Monday was a normal day for him. He threw batting practice during the workouts as he always does and walked around talking to players.

Washington talked just after Monday's workout about some of his plans for the game and his interaction with some players. Here are some of those notes:

* Rangers third base coach Dave Anderson and first base coach Gary Pettis will coach at their respective spots. Washington said Manny Acta will help him and Jackie Moore on the bench and John Farrell will help Rangers bullpen coach Andy Hawkins and pitching coach Mike Maddux handle the pitchers.

* Michael Young is the designated utility player for the American League, which means Washington can bring Young back in the game if needed. Pablo Sandoval is the National League's utility player. Young said he's ready to play any position Washington needs.

* The AL won't use signs -- it will be up to players when they think they can steal. But when the time calls for a bunt, Washington will use signs to tell Anderson, and Anderson will talk to the hitter.

* The pitchers will mostly get one inning, though Washington said he's got some guys that can go longer than that if needed. He expects Alexi Ogando to get in the game later because he has other pitchers he knows he has to get in first. That means Ogando might be working closer to his 2010 role than his 2011 one.

* Washington got a chance to talk to some of the young players like Michael Pineda and Chris Perez. He said they were “wide-eyed” and excited to be here.

* Washington asked Justin Verlander if he thought he could sneak him in the game without Detroit noticing. Verlander laughed. But the Tigers’ ace, who started Sunday so isn't eligible for the game, did thank Washington for getting Jhonny Peralta on the team. “That’s amazing,” Washington said. “That’s a class act for him to take up for his teammate like that.”