NEW YORK -- Jason Varitek is loathed by the New York Yankees fans, and has been ever since he gave Alex Rodriguez a face wash that started a bench-clearing brawl back in 2004.

So you know they're going to be seething next Tuesday when Varitek will walk into Yankee Stadium and, instead of taking a left down the hallway to the visitor's dugout, will have his uniform and equipment bag waiting for him in the Yankee clubhouse.

Varitek was selected to his third All-Star game on Sunday afternoon, something he said he's proud of.

"I think he was proud," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "We all know where his batting average is. I think that is a show from the players around the league how they feel about Tek and what he has done in the game. I think he should be proud."

Of all the A.L. All-Star catchers -- Minnesota's Joe Mauer and Tampa's Dioner Navarro -- Varitek has the lowest batting average. But he was selected by his fellow players.

"It's flattering to be selected to play by your peers," said Varitek.

As far as not getting some much-needed time off during the All-Star break, Varitek said he's not worried about it.

"I've had enough time off," he said. "I've been sick way too many times this season."

As far as walking into enemy territory next week?

"I didn't think of that," he said.