Home Run Derby Fantasy Teams

The other day they announced that Robinson Cano and Matt Kemp will be the team captains at this year's Home Run Derby.  I guess that means the Commissioner's Office feels secure in both of their chances to make the All-Star team.  (They're sure going out on a limb with Kemp, huh?)  I'm not sure if Cano automatically gets to be the AL captain because he's the defending Home Run Derby champion, but his place on the All-Star roster should be pretty secure, as well.  Even if he doesn't start.  And I certainly hope Kemp will be off the DL in time to join in the All-Star festivities.

As team captains, Cano and Kemp get to choose their teams for the Derby.  For some reason, they a have a spot for the Home Run Derby on the All-Star ballot you get at the stadiums, even though there's no fan vote element in the selection of Home Run Derby participants whatsoever.  But that doesn't mean there aren't guys we'd like to see in the Derby.  Assuming these guys are named to the All-Star team, I've got a few suggestions as to who should fill out the Derby rosters.

AMERICAN LEAGUE
Prince Fielder, Tigers-Prince was the National League's captain last year, and he was the only National Leaguer to make the semifinals.  Then he was named MVP of the actual All-Star Game for a three-run bomb that gave the NL the lead.  Now he's in the American League.

Josh Hamilton, Rangers-We all remember the show he put on at the old Yankee Stadium in 2008.  He hasn't participated in the Home Run Derby since.  Why not?  With the crazy numbers he's put up so far this year, I think us fans deserve the chance to see Josh Hamilton aiming for those fountains in center field.

David Ortiz, Red Sox-Big Papi is a Home Run Derby staple.  He won it in 2010, so he got to be the AL captain last year.  As annoying as it is when he hits 700-foot home runs during the regular season, those are the ones that make the Home Run Derby fun to watch.  And I'm not going to pretend Ortiz doesn't deserve to be an All-Star this year.

Alternates: Curtis Granderson, Yankees-From what I hear, he mashes in BP pretty regularly.  Granderson hits a lot of homers in real games, too.  Does Robbie pick his teammate?
Miguel Cabrera, Tigers-That move to third base really effected his hitting, didn't it?  Miggy's another Home Run Derby regular.  Since he'll probably be on the All-Star team once again, he wouldn't be a bad guy for Cano to choose.
Adam Jones, Orioles-Albert's having some issues and might not even make the team, and everyone else has finally seemed to realize that Jose Bautista is overrated.  So how about showcasing the AL's breakout star of 2012?  Jones isn't really known as a home run hitter, though.

NATIONAL LEAGUE
Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins-Am I the only one who thinks this name change has turned The Artist Formerly Known As Mike into a bona fide superstar?  The numbers this guy's been putting up are ridiculous!  Since he plays in Miami, he's still not really that well-known.  But if he wins the Home Run Derby, that could certainly change.

Joey Votto, Reds-Now that Prince and Albert are in the American League, Joey Votto is suddenly the king of National League first basemen.  They've only announced the first ballot update, but he already has such a big lead, I'd be shocked if he didn't start.  Votto's biggest attribute is that he can rake.  Really far.  Joey Votto was made for the Home Run Derby.

Matt Holliday, Cardinals-Matt Holliday seems to be the National League's answer to David Ortiz.  He's in the Home Run Derby every year.  I don't really know why.  Regardless, if he makes the NL All-Star team, I wouldn't be surprised if he's in the Home Run Derby, too.

Alternates: Ryan Braun, Brewers-I personally don't think Ryan Braun should've been allowed to play the first 50 games of this season.  But he was.  And he put up his usual carzy numbers.  Even though I'm not going to throw a single vote his way, Braun will probably end up on the All-Star team again.
Dan Uggla, Braves-He's leading the voting at second base and, unlike last year, is actually off to a good start.  Uggla's been known to bring the long ball, so why not have a second baseman from each league in the Home Run Derby?
Carlos Beltran, Cardinals-What is it about St. Louis that revives the careers of seemingly washed-up former stars?  Beltran looks like an All-Star lock.  And he's a former Royal, which might not be a good thing.

Of course, the actual participants are up to Cano and Kemp.  Maybe they've got different ideas.  Regardless, I'm cheering for the AL.  Just like I do every year.  And for the most part, that strategy has worked.  An AL player has won in four of the last five years.