Former Cardinal Haren will start in All-Star Game

When Tony La Russa's hitters come to the plate in San Francisco tomorrow night, the manager will see a familiar face on the mound.

Former Cardinal Dan Haren, traded to the Oakland A's after the 2004 season, will start the game for the American League.

San Diego Padres righthander Jake Peavy will start for the National League.

Haren is 10-3 and leads the American League with an ERA of 2.30.

Haren and Peavy, both 26, will comprise the youngest starting matchup in the All-Star Game since 1986 when 21-year old Dwight Gooden faced 23-year old Roger Clemens.

The home run contest is tonight. Here's one way to enjoy it. That is, if they don't change it to this.

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Update: La Russa on Haren.

La Russa, recalling that trade, said, "(Cardinals pitching coach) Dave Duncan and I have been together a long time and been friends for a long time and it's probably the closest we've ever come to having a disruptive relationship -- because he was very adamant that Dan be a part of St. Louis' future."