Cubs infielders eye historic All-Star Game appearance

This July's All-Star Game is in San Diego, but it's starting to look like the festivities will have a North Side feel.

Major League Baseball's first All-Star ballot update, released on Wednesday, is dominated by Chicago Cubs players. The National League's infield, save for catcher, would be entirely Cubbie blue if voting closed tomorrow, as first baseman Anthony Rizzo, second baseman Ben Zobrist, shortstop Addison Russell, and third baseman Kris Bryant are ahead of their counterparts at each position.

If nothing changes until the end of voting, the Cubs will be the first team since the 1963 St. Louis Cardinals to have their entire infield start the Midsummer Classic. The only difference: In 1963, fans weren't allowed to vote for starters.

"It would be a sight to see and something great to be a part of," Russell told ESPN.com's Jesse Rogers on Wednesday. "The fans are being very supportive."

Russell's race appears to be the tightest, as he's only about 10,000 votes ahead of Colorado Rockies rookie sensation Trevor Story. The rest of his teammates already appear to be running away with the starting jobs.

There's a Cubs presence in the outfield balloting, as well. Center fielder Dexter Fowler is second among NL outfielders in voting, while right fielder Jason Heyward sits fourth.

Though each of these Cubs players deserve to be in San Diego this July based on their individual performances alone, fan votes don't always give starting assignments to deserving players. The team's young core are grateful to Cubs fans for showing them this kind of support, but aren't booking flights to Southern California just yet.

"It says a lot about our fan base and city," Bryant said. "It will be interesting to see how it plays out, but right now it feels awesome."