ST. LOUIS — National League players didn't vote for Cincinnati right-hander Johnny Cueto as one of their top five starting pitchers for next Tuesday's All-Star Game. Reportedly, he was closer to 10th than fifth in their voting, and the NL staff has only eight starters.

NL manager Tony La Russa didn't take Cueto, in part, because he is scheduled to start for the Reds on Sunday, just two days ahead of the game.

But the high-kicking Cueto isn't taking this lying down. His agent, Bryce Dixon, emailed the players' association, voicing his objection over Cueto being left off the team, indicating a grievance might be filed.

"I'm not one to complain about All-Star snubs," Dixon told the Cincinnati Enquirer, "but what Tony said was the last straw. Basically, (La Russa) messed up."

Cueto is 9-4 with a 2.26 earned-run average. He would be due a $25,000 bonus if chosen to the All-Star team.

La Russa, who retired after last season as Cardinals manager, was adamant that Cueto's part — and that of Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips — in a brawl with the Cardinals two years ago had nothing to do with them not being chosen.

Reds manager Dusty Baker, a longtime sparring partner of La Russa's, had suggested that the fight might have played a part in the exclusions of both Reds. La Russa, however, chose as a reserve outfielder the Reds' Jay Bruce, who is hitting 50 points less than the Cardinals' Matt Holliday, who was not selected.

TV announcer

benches himself

ARLINGTON, Texas — Texas Rangers television announcer Dave Barnett says he doesn't expect to return this season after an on-air incident in which he gave a rambling, incoherent description that confused viewers.

Barnett said in a statement that he is taking an indefinite leave of absence for medical reasons.

During a game in San Diego on June 18, Barnett said a runner was on "fifth" base after a "botched robbery." He then mentioned a "henchman" before the broadcast went silent for several seconds.

Barnett told The Dallas Morning News last week that he had no recollection of the incident and was diagnosed with a "complicated" migraine.

Notes

• Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer has put his three Cy Young Awards and two of his four Gold Gloves up for auction. Palmer, a TV analyst for the Orioles, did not say he was financially hurting. He said he would use the proceeds on "the education of my grandchildren" and to provide care for an autistic stepson.

• LHP Dontrelle Willis is retiring after going 0-3 with an 8.53 ERA for AAA Norfolk, Baltimore's top farm club. Willis, 30, was the NL Rookie of the Year in 2003 for the Marlins.

• Robinson Cano, Jose Bautista, Prince Fielder and Mark Trumbo will represent the AL in the All-Star Home Run Derby. Matt Kemp, Carlos Beltran, Carlos Gonzalez and Giancarlo Stanton are on the NL side.

• Commissioner Bud Selig endorsed the possible purchase of the Padres by the O'Malley family. The group includes four grandchildren of former Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley.