The Dodgers' Matt Kemp has been selected as the National League captain for the home run derby.

In other words, he will issue invitations to players, who then have a choice to accept or not.

On the American League side, captain Robinson Cano of the Yankees won't have the Rangers' Josh Hamilton on his side. The slugger has said he won't participate.

I like the home run derby, but I do think the event is too long with too many competitors. Still, it's amazing and exciting to watch how far a big-leaguer can hit a baseball, and right now phenom Bryce Harper is the one of the most exciting players in the majors.

Harper, the No. 1 overall pick two years ago, is 19. Not since Alex Rodriguez and Ken Griffey Jr. came along in the 1990s has a young phenom looked so good while so young. Harper has six home runs in 37 games and is batting .282, but it's more than that.

He's charismatic, has a great swing, and he does have immense power. He would be an immediate TV draw. Fans would watch if Harper was in the home run derby, including this one.

- Mark Podolski | @mpodo