BOSTON -- Jason Varitek actually smiled.

When the Red Sox captain and longtime catcher was asked for his thoughts about Tim Wakefield finally making the American League All-Star team, Varitek was happy.

"I feel great for Wake," he said. "Obviously the reception here was well-taken when they made that announcement. It’s awesome for him. It’s a great tribute because he’s been a big part of this organization for a long, long time."

 Red Sox lefty starter Jon Lester also seemed thrilled to talk about Wakefield, and his five other teammates, who were selected as All-Stars. While Dustin Pedroia and Jason Bay were voted as starters by the fans, Jonathan Papelbon and Josh Beckett were selected by their peers, and Wakefield and Kevin Youkilis were picked by A.L. manager Joe Maddon of the Rays.

 "I’m pretty pumped about that decision," said Lester. "I’m glad the people in charge of that decision made a good decision about it. It would have been sad if [Wakefield] didn’t make it, but I’m glad to see he did. It is well-deserved."

The Red Sox and the Yankees are the only A.L. clubs with more than one starter this season. Both teams could have had more players named All-Stars, too.

"Our team is worthy of having a lot of representatives," said manager Terry Francona.

  "You could go back and take away two innings from me and maybe two innings from Jon and some other guys on this staff and the numbers would drastically change," Red Sox reliever/starter Justin Masterson said. "Not that you need to find confidence anywhere but I think that as far as the pitching staff goes we have an awful lot of confidence in a lot of guys. It’s encouraging."

While the Sox’ All-Star Six head to St. Louis next week, the rest of the club will enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation.