Holiday for Halladay

NEW YORK – The initial 66 selections for Major League Baseball’s All-Star game on Tuesday in St. Louis will receive $2.3 million in bonuses, with Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Roy Halladay leading the way at $125,000.

That money might come in handy for moving expenses. Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi said this week he’s willing to listen to offers for the 2003 pitcher of the year. Halladay, a six-time All-Star, has a $14.25 million salary this season, is due $15.75 million next year and has the right to block trades without his approval.

Four players earned $100,000 each, and three of them were on the collapsing, injury-decimated New York Mets: center fielder Carlos Beltran, closer Francisco Rodriguez and pitcher Johan Santana. Beltran has been on the disabled list since June 22 because of a bone bruise his right knee and will miss the game. 

Los Angeles Angels outfielder Torii Hunter also gets a $100,000 bonus, while pitchers Ted Lilly of the Chicago Cubs and Jason Marquis of Colorado receive $75,000 apiece.         (AP)