To some the Home Run Derby is nothing more than a glorified batting practice, well those people can shove it. Tonight is the night fans of the long ball sit back and awe as our modern-day replacements for the Gods of ancient Greece perform almost superhuman feats of athleticism.

Tonight's derby will feature (HRs):

Nelson Cruz, Texas (22)
Prince Fielder, Milwaukee (22)
Ryan Howard, Philadelphia (22)
Albert Pujols, St. Louis (32)
Carlos Pena, Tampa Bay (24)
Adrian Gonzalez, San Diego (24)
Joe Mauer, Minnesota (15)
Brandon Inge, Detroit (21)

While Fielder and Howard have experience, including a win for Howard in 2006, I believe tonight's HRD will come down to an epic hitting match up between Pujols and Pena.

The reason I think this, is due to Albert being at home, in his ballpark and with the way he's been swinging this season, it's going to create a perfect storm for Mr. Pujols. Now the second part of this prediction may be a biased pick, but Pena has a natural home run swing. I expect him to do well in this contest.

Obligatory All-Star Predictions:

Pena over Pujols in HRD

AL continues its dominance over the NL 8-6.

Enjoy All-Star Weekend everyone.