ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. | Call it one-plus invitations.</p><p> Royals closer Joakim Soria is heading next week to the All-Star Game in New York, and outfielder Jose Guillen might be.</p><p> Guillen is one of five candidates for the 32nd and final spot on the American League team. The winner will be determined this week in an online vote.</p><p> There is no question regarding Soria; he’s going. AL manager Terry Francona of the Red Sox picked Soria, who has a 1.22 ERA in 35 appearances with 23 saves in 24 opportunities.</p><p> “He’s been outstanding,” Royals manager Trey Hillman said. “He’s been so good that he’s spoiled us.”</p><p> Major League Baseball announced 31 of the 32 selections for each team Sunday afternoon in a national cablecast on TBS. The 79th All-Star Game is July 15 at Yankee Stadium.</p><p> Each team is entitled to at least one selection.</p><p> Soria, 24, was generally viewed as the Royals’ leading candidate for selection, but he declined to address the speculation in recent days.</p><p> “Let it happen,” he said. “Then we can talk about it.”</p><p> It’s happened.</p><p> Soria’s selection continues a meteoric career rise since his selection by the Royals in December 2006 from San Diego in the Rule 5 draft. At the time, Soria had not pitched above Class A ball.</p><p> The Royals used Soria as setup reliever and backup closer last season before making him their full-time closer after sending veteran Octavio Dotel to Atlanta on July 31. Soria finished his rookie season at 2-3 with 17 saves and a 2.48 ERA in 62 games.</p><p> The Royals signed Soria to a three-year extension in May that also includes three option years. The All-Star bonus clauses in his contract do not begin until next season.</p><p> Guillen, 32, would also be an All-Star for the first time if he prevails in the fan balloting, which runs through 4 p.m. Thursday on MLB.com.</p><p> The other candidates are Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria, Baltimore second baseman Brian Roberts, New York first baseman Jason Giambi and Chicago outfielder Jermaine Dye.</p><p> Guillen carried a .274 average into Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay and led the club with 13 homers and 64 RBIs.