All-star nod makes Byrd a happy Cub

Marlon Byrd knew something was up when Cubs manager Lou Piniella approached him during pregame warmups - wearing a big smile.

That's because the Cubs manager came bearing good news: For the first time in his career, Byrd had been selected to a major-league all-star team.

"He was happy and it put a smile on his face," Byrd said. "We haven't given him much to smile about lately. Today, he was very happy for me."

He wasn't alone.

The 32-year-old center fielder was one happy cat as well, especially after discovering his fellow players had voted him in to the 2010 game to be played in Anaheim.

"It's been a long road for me," Byrd said. "I think I've been on the ballot since '04. With the players voting me, too, that's just a huge honor for me. They've seen what I've been doing this year.

"I'm definitely going to enjoy it; I'll represent the Cubs, but I'm a little sad the two Carloses - Carlos Marmol and Carlos Silva - won't be out there with me."

Byrd is batting .309 (95-for-307) with 26 doubles, 9 home runs and 35 RBI in 81 games. He leads the Cubs in batting average, doubles and hits.

"Marlon has done a nice job for us," Piniella said. "He plays hard; he's got some energy to him. He's done a nice job in center field."

Byrd showed off some of that energy in the ninth inning Sunday, laying out for a catch with the Cubs trailing 14-3.

"A prime example," Piniella said. "That's what you like an athlete to do. I salute him for that."