Sale ecstatic to join all-stars Konerko, Dunn

For the first time since 2006, the Chicago White Sox will send more than two players to the MLB All-Star Game.

Pitcher Chris Sale, first baseman Paul Konerko and designated hitter Adam Dunn were all named to the 2012 American League all-star team Monday as reserves.

“It’s awesome,” Sale told reporters after Sunday’s announcement. “It’s something I’ve honestly thought about for a long time since I was a kid, playing baseball, being a fan of baseball. I was kind of speechless. They told me. It was just crazy.”

A 23-year-old left-hander, the rail-thin Sale (9-2) boasts the best ERA in the AL at 2.27 and has the second best WHIP at 0.97 in his first year as an MLB starter.

Two Cubs players made the NL team, with a second starting nod for the second consecutive year for shortstop Starlin Castro and a first-time selection for 29-year-old Bryan LaHair at first base, even though LaHair has been playing in the Cubs outfield for two weeks.

Konerko will be making his sixth all-star appearance and was tied for first in the AL in hitting with the Los Angeles Angels’ Mike Trout at .336 entering Sunday’s games. He has 14 homers and 40 RBIs.

After struggling at the plate last year, Adam Dunn has responded with 24 home runs, third in the AL this season. However, Dunn is leading the league in strikeouts (125) and is hitting .213. This will be Dunn’s second all-star appearance.

“I have a couple good guys who have been there and can show me the ropes a little bit,” Sale said. “It’s been an incredible ride. I wish I could sit here and tell you I did this all by myself, but I’ve had two catchers behind the plate, the defense is behind me, (and the offense) scoring runs when I’m out there. Without those guys I wouldn’t be sitting here right now.”

The starters were selected by fan vote and players and managers selected the reserves.

White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski was not named to the starting roster despite leading all catchers with 45 RBI. The Sox veteran also has 14 home runs, the same at Konerko, and had a slugging percentage of .517 entering Sunday.

The White Sox all-star totals could jump from three to four, however, as pitcher Jake Peavy is still in the running for the final spot on the roster. Beginning today, fans can vote for the 34th man on each squad and Peavy (6-5) is among the five nominees in the AL. Peavy (6-5) is fifth in the league with a 2.92 ERA and fourth in WHIP at 0.99.

The 2012 MLB All-Star Game is scheduled for July 10 in Kansas City.

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