Carlos Zambrano, a 1999 Lugnut, and Carlos Beltran, who played briefly with the team during its inaugural season in 1996 were selected to the National League All-Star team on Sunday. It marks the first All-Star Game for both players and it also marks the first time that two former Lugnuts have been selected in a game. Last season, Lance Carter of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays became the first former Lugnut to be selected to an All-Star team.

Zambrano, a key member of the Chicago Cubs rotation this season, has gone 9-3 so far with 99 strikeouts in 16 starts. With the Lugnuts in 1999, Zambrano went 13-7 with a 4.17 ERA in 27 starts.

Beltran, who appeared in 11 games for the Lugnuts in 1996, has split time between the Kansas City Royals and Houston Astros this season. The 1999 American League Rookie of the Year has hit four homers since being traded from the Royals and due to a quirky balloting scenario will not be able to participate in the game unless there is an injury to another of the All-Stars. The trade to the Astros came one day after the balloting had started and therefore, Beltran was on the American League All-Star ballot as a member of the Royals.

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