Rays third baseman Evan Longoria and Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter remain locked in a tight contest for the overall lead in American League balloting for the 2009 All-Star Game. Longoria has vaulted to the top of balloting among A.L. players with 1,036,071 votes, holding a commanding lead at his position over veteran All-Stars Michael Young, Alex Rodriguez, Mike Lowell and Scott Rolen. Jeter now ranks second overall with 1,017,560 in his bid for his 10th A.L. All-Star invitation. In the outfield, two-time All-Star Jason Bay of the Red Sox remains on top with 729,590 votes, followed by Rangers center fielder Josh Hamilton, who has accumulated 685,463 votes. The third spot is up for grabs between two long-time staples of the Midsummer Classic, with eight-time A.L. All-Star and seven-time fan-elected starter Ichiro Suzuki (481,263) currently edging out his Mariners teammate, 13-time All-Star Ken Griffey, Jr. (452,849). Carl Crawford (439,870) of the Rays, Torii Hunter (422,220) of the Angels and Nick Markakis (412,824) of the Orioles are among many outfielders who remain within striking distance. Behind the plate, two-time A.L. All-Star Joe Mauer of the Twins extended his advantage by jumping to 769,320 votes. On the right side of the infield, a pair of players who made their Midsummer Classic debuts in 2008 continue to be in line for return appearances. Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis has collected 600,175 votes to maintain his lead, while Mark Teixeira (506,339) of the New York Yankees has gained on his A.L. East rival, jumping to second place from third last week and narrowing the gap to less than 94,000 votes. Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler, vying for his first All-Star Game start, has garnered 787,619 votes, ahead of the 641,281 cast for last year?s starter, 2008 A.L. Most Valuable Player Dustin Pedroia of the Red Sox.