Five Cubs players lead position voting for All-Star Game

WASHINGTON -- Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon says he'll be sure to watch the All-Star Game if in fact the Cubs send five starters -- including their entire infield -- to San Diego next month

No Cubs leader at his respective position has less than a 280,000-vote lead through Wednesday.

"It would be quite an achievement," Maddon said. "I would definitely watch."

Only once in history has a team's entire infield started the All-Star Game, but the Cubs are well on their way to accomplishing that feat as Anthony Rizzo, Ben Zobrist, Kris Bryant and Addison Russell all lead at their positions about halfway through the voting process.

"You don't want to count your chickens before they hatch," said Rizzo, who also leads the overall vote. "It would be really exciting to go, and I have a feeling a few of us will be going. It will be a lot of fun."

The 1963 St. Louis Cardinals also sent four starters from their infield to the Midsummer Classic.

"To be honest, I talked to my wife about it a couple nights ago," Russell said. "There's some things I want to do over All-Star break, but if I get chosen, I'm going. Some plans will have to be delayed, which is fine."

In addition to the five potential starters, which include center fielder Dexter Fowler, the Cubs will undoubtedly send a few starting pitchers as Jake Arrieta, Jason Hammel, Jon Lester and even John Lackey have all made a case to go.

Cubs catcher David Ross continues to lead all NL write-in votes, but he's still not in the top five at his position

Voting continues until early July, and the All-Star Game will take place July 12 in San Diego.

Maddon doesn't plan to be in attendance, however. The Cubs manager said there's only one way he wants to coach in the All-Star Game, and instead he'll be watching from some place "south," presumably a resort.

Said Maddon: "When you have to go -- when you've earned the right to go -- that's when you go."