The Chicago Cubs have been rewarded with their fast start to the first half of the season by having seven players named to the National League All-Star team.

Outfielders Kosuke Fukudome and Alfonso Soriano and catcher Geovany Soto will all start for the Cubs.

Closer Kerry Wood, pitchers Ryan Dempster and Carlos Zambrano and third baseman Aramis Ramirez have all also secured spots on the team.

With the Cubs right in the thick of the race in the National League and considered possibly the favorite to make it to the World Series, winning the All-Star Game and gaining homefield advantage is a big deal.