All-Star MVP Drew was in line to pitch, says Francona

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Outfielder J.D. Drew, who smacked a two-run homer before being named MVP of the All-Star Game, may have been needed as an emergency pitcher if Tuesday's 15-inning marathon had gone on much longer.

American League manager Terry Francona conceded that with his pitching resources all-but exhausted, Drew was in his thoughts for a spell on the mound.

The American League squeezed out a 4-3 victory over the National League in the longest All-Star game, extending their 12-year unbeaten streak in the Midsummer Classic.

"He might have been a little more of an MVPer if we went a couple more innings. He might have pitched," said Boston manager Francona, who used all 12 of his pitchers in the four-hour, 50-minute contest at Yankee Stadium.

"He's been begging me a long time to pitch, and we almost got close."

The win secured home-field advantage for the American League in the best-of-seven World Series. The teams used a combined 23 pitchers with both sides squandering opportunities to win in extra innings.

Francona had been reluctant to use Tampa Bay ace Scott Kazmir, who had pitched for the Rays on Sunday, but gave the left-hander the ball for the 15th inning. Kazmir emerged with the win after pitching a scoreless inning.

"I would have thrown some stuff up there," Drew said.

"I got a little sneaky stuff here and there. I don't know if I would have got anybody out, but..."

(Writing by Larry Fine, Editing by Peter Rutherford)