The city of Pittsburgh is really excited to host the All-Star Game this year. PNC Park is a beautiful setting and it should be a great time for everybody.

The All-Star Game is a nice reward for the fans. PNC Park provides a perfect setting, and everybody coming here is going to have a great time. I think this is the best park in baseball today. They didn't skimp in any area of the building. The view of the skyline is amazing.

The only thing that's disappointing is that our team hasn't played as well this season as we know we can. We expected to play better but we haven't played well at all. Hopefully we can get this thing turned around for the Pittsburgh fans who've stuck with us through this trying season. They deserve at least an All-Star Game.

Jason Bay and Freddy Sanchez were the right choices to represent the Pirates on the National League roster. Bay is one of the best players in baseball, and Freddy, obviously, has really stepped up and had a great season for us.

In addition, our manager, Jim Tracy, will serve as a coach. He's been a manager in this league for a little while now, and he has had some success, and it's nice to have him here with us now. Having him coming to Pittsburgh has been a great thing for the city and the organization as a whole.

Our trainer, Brad Henderson, will work the game, too. He's a great guy, so this a nice honor for him as well.

Sean Casey, a career .305 hitter over 10 years with the Indians, Reds and Pirates, is a three-time National League All-Star (1999, 2001 and 2004). A graduate of Upper St. Clair High School in Pittsburgh's southwestern suburbs, Casey is in his first season with the Pirates.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.