Soto, Soriano, Fukudome lead all-star voting

Maybe the presidential candidates can take a few tips and pointers from the Cubs because their players sure are popular with the voters.

Cubs catcher Geovany Soto has a big lead in National League all-star balloting over the Braves' Brian McCann.

Outfielders Alfonso Soriano and Kosuke Fukudome are running 1-2 ahead of Ken Griffey Jr. of the Reds.

"I'm very surprised right now," said Soto, who has 343,427 votes to 229,743 for McCann. "It feels great, but still there's a lot of baseball left. You've just got to maintain your numbers.

"For me, it's just keep winning and just keep handling the pitching staff and then everything will be there hopefully."

Soto is an early candidate for NL rookie-of-the-year honors, so manager Lou Piniella isn't surprised by Soto's all-star polling numbers.

"He's hitting around .300," Piniella said. "He's got 9 home runs, 35-36 RBI. He's had a really good first half or first third. He plays on a team that's been competitive, and he plays in a ballpark where there's 42,000 people and (who) recognize his contributions to this team, so they vote for him. I can understand that."

Fukudome, in his first year in the major leagues after starring in Japan, seemed honored.

"I really appreciate that people voted for me, and I'm glad I'm in second place, but it's way too far ahead, so I'm still not thinking about it at all," he said. "When I eventually am selected to be in the All-Star Game, then it's a great honor."

First baseman Derrek Lee ranks third behind Lance Berkman and Albert Pujols. Shortstop Ryan Theriot is fourth, and third baseman Aramis Ramirez is third.

"I would love to go," Lee said. "Is it my No. 1 concern? No. The two times I've been there, I've had a good time. It's a great experience. I'd like to be there. Yankee Stadium, I can't think of a better place to have an All-Star Game than that."