>>Cano Claims Home Run Derby Title
(Phoenix, AZ) -- New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano captured the 2011 Home Run Derby, beating Boston first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. Cano, who was in the derby for the first time in his career, smacked a final round-record 12 long balls to beat Gonzalez. Cano's father, Jose, pitched to him in the derby. Cano tied Gonzalez with a 472-foot blast to right-center field and then paused for a moment to grab a sports drink and converse with his American League teammates. Jose then delivered a ball that ended up 408 feet over the wall in right-center to clinch the title. Cardinals outfielder Matt Holliday was knocked out in the first round. David Ortiz and Prince Fielder advanced to round two by beating Holliday in a swing-off after all three had five homers in the first round.
>>All-Star Game Lineups Announced
(Phoenix, AZ) -- The lineups for tonight's 2011 All-Star Game at Chase Field in Phoenix have been set. National League skipper Bruce Bochy and American League manager Ron Washington announced their respective lineups at a press conference prior to the midsummer classic's annual media day. Along with the position players, Phillies' Roy Halladay and Angels' Jered Weaver were tabbed as the game's starting pitchers. For the NL, Brewers' Rickie Weeks will lead off and play second base, followed by Mets' Carlos Beltran at designated hitter, Dodgers' Matt Kemp in center field, Brewers' Prince Fielder playing first base, Braves' Brian McCann behind the plate, Cardinals outfielders Lance Berkman and Matt Holliday in right and left, respectively, Rockies' Troy Tulowitzki at shortstop and Reds' Scott Rolen at the hot corner.
Yankees center fielder Curtis Granderson will be starting it off for the AL roster, followed by Indians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista and Rangers left fielder Josh Hamilton. Texas' Adrian Beltre with hit fifth and play third base, while Boston's David Ortiz will DH, New York's Robinson Cano gets the nod at second base and Tigers' Alex Avila starts at catcher.
>>Ramirez Declines Invite To All-Star Game
(Phoenix, AZ) -- Chicago Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez declined an opportunity to be an All-Star. National League manager Bruce Bochy asked Ramirez to be the replacement for Phillies' Placido Polanco, however, A-Ram opted to spend the break with his family in the Dominican Republic. Ramirez, who was an All-Star in 2005 and 2008, is batting .300 with 15 homers and 51 RBI.
