MLB Home Run Derby 2012: Complete Viewing Guide for Annual Slugfest

The 2012 Home Run Derby is sure to provide plenty of fireworks, and you want to make sure you don't miss any of the action. 

The derby may just be glorified batting practice, but hey, who doesn't want to watch glorified batting practice? 

I could watch Robinson Cano's sweet swing all day. I could watch little kids falling over each other for the fly balls time and time again. I could watch Mark Trumbo hit 500-foot home runs like it's nothing.

I could listen to Chris Berman—wait, no, I'll definitely be watching on mute. 

The point is, no matter how watered down all-star festivities have become across all the major sports, the Home Run Derby is still one that provides some excitement. 

What follows is a complete guide of where to catch the action and what to watch. 

Where: Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, MO

When: Monday, July 9, 2012 at 8 p.m. EST

TV: ESPN

Live Stream: ESPN3

Players to Watch:

Mark Trumbo, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Trumbo is without a doubt the player to watch if you're into the whole "holy crap I can't believe he just hit a baseball that far" thing. And it's just a hunch, but I'm guessing most people are.

All 6'4", 220 pounds of Trumbo allow him to absolutely murder the ball, as, on the season, he's drilled five homers over 440 feet and it's usually a surprise if he hits one out that isn't over 400. 

I'm not sure if Trumbo has the sweet swing to keep it up for three rounds, but he's going to put on a show. 

Robinson Cano, New York Yankees

Someone who does have the sweet swing to dominate for all three rounds is Robinson Cano, as he proved last year when he out-lasted Adrian Gonzalez for the win. 

Not only does Cano have a ton of power, his effortless approach at the plate is a joy to watch. In 2011, he actually improved every round, which is something you don't see very often. 

If you just want to be in awe of a flat-out impressive hitter, Cano is the one to watch. 

Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates

For the record, I don't think the NL is going to have a very good night, but if anyone is going to make a run at Cano's title, it will be McCutchen.

At just 5'10", 185 pounds, he doesn't stand out as a power hitter, but McCutchen has put those thoughts to rest in the first half of 2012.

Through 81 games, the 25-year-old star is slugging .625 (yes, .625) with 18 home runs, 17 doubles and five triples. 

I'm still not convinced he has the raw power to win the whole thing, but if McCutchen gets on a roll, it will be fun to see. 

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