From Bonds and Griffey to Reyes and Sizemore, torch is passed

"It's an honor to be a part of it," says AL first baseman Justin Morneau, 26, of Minnesota -- a first-time All-Star after winning an MVP award last season. "You look around, these are the best players in the league. It's a good feeling.

"This is one of the goals I set out before the year, playing in this game."

Overall, the 18 first-time All-Stars selected to this year's game ranks as the fewest since 1998.

But the impact, from the starting pitchers to Reyes, Martin and others, remains significant. Especially in a changing NL that hasn't won an All-Star Game since 1996.

And Bonds*, who, at 42 years, 11 months and 15 days will become the oldest player ever to start an All-Star Game, can pretty much give you an oral recitation of those, if your memory is bleak.

But he isn't here, in his beloved home park in San Francisco, to talk about the past.

"I feel good," Bonds* says. "And I'm so happy. I played a lot more (this year) than I thought I would play. I've been able to hang in there with my teammates better than I thought I'd be able to.

"I'm surprised at myself. I thought maybe I'd miss days, but to only miss eight or nine games is pretty good. I don't feel drained or tired."

He's got a ways before he reaches the late, great Satchel Paige in age (Paige, at 47 years and seven days in 1953 ranks as the oldest All-Star ever) or in snappy quotes. But who knows what the future holds?

"Work like you don't need the money," Paige once said. "Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody's watching."

There's wisdom in age, and fire in youth.

It can be a pretty wicked combination.