The Home Run Derby is every bit as much a part of the annual MLB All-Star break as is the Midsummer Classic itself. The 2012 Home Run Derby will take place on Monday night and will, of course, be commentated by Steve Berman, so get ready to hear "BACK BACK BACK BACK" for a couple of hours at least. Or hit "mute" and put on some music. Your call.
Matt Kemp will lead a National League team consisting of Carlos Gonzalez, Carlos Beltran and Andrew McCutchen, who is replacing the injured Giancarlo Stanton.
They will take on the defending Home Run Derby champ Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees, who has enlisted Jose Bautista, Mark Trumbo and 2009 Derby winner Prince Fielder.
The 2012 Home Run Derby begins at 5 p.m. PT on Monday night. It will be televised on ESPN.
For updates and perspective on the Seattle Mariners, head on over to Lookout Landing. For complete coverage of the All-Star Game and all things MLB, check out Baseball Nation.
