Home Run Derby 2012 Start Time: How to Catch MLB's Annual Long-Ball Showcase

The Pittsburgh Pirates' Andrew McCutchen is a late fill-in for the MLB Home Run Derby, but he shouldn't be taken lightly. He is hitting .358, with 16 dingers already this season.

He was picked to replace the injured Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins, per Tom Singer of MLB.com.

While he isn't likely to launch the majestic shots Stanton is capable of, he definitely has the tools to make some noise.

McCutchen is not what one thinks of when he or she thinks about pure mashers, but sometimes the better overall hitters do well in the Home Run Derby.

The last two years, guys that would be described as great hitters with power have shined the brightest. Adrian Gonzalez had 31 homers in the contest last year, and Robinson Cano had 32 to win it.

The year before that, Corey Hart hit 13 in the first round before fizzling out.

I'm betting that McCutchen makes a strong account of himself. I'm sticking with my prediction of Jose Bautista as the winner, but McCutchen is my dark horse.

You can bet Pirates manager Clint Hurdle doesn't want McCutchen to change anything about that swing. He's leading the majors in hitting and is one of the biggest reasons the Pirates are leading the NL Central by a game.

Here's the information you need to catch the 2012 Home Run Derby and a list of the updated participants:

Where: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Mo.

When: Monday, July 9 at 8 p.m. EDT

Watch: ESPN

Live Stream: MLB.com

Participants

American League

Robinson Cano, Yankees (captain)

Mark Trumbo, Angels

Prince Fielder, Tigers

Jose Bautista, Blue Jays

National League

Matt Kemp, Dodgers (captain)

Carlos Gonzalez, Rockies

Carlos Beltran, Cardinals

Andrew McCutchen, Pirates*

*substitute for Miami's Giancarlo Stanton, who is injured

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