KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Detroit 1B Prince Fielder hit the most home runs and won the All-Star Derby on Monday, beating Toronto RF Jose Bautista in the final round.
But it was Yankees 2B Robinson Cano who, while not hitting a single ball out of the park, made the most noise.
The Kauffman Stadium fans were not happy with Cano, the designated American League squad captain, for bypassing Royals DH Billy Butler for the team and let him know, alternately chanting Butler's name and booing and jeering Cano.
"This is for the fans, and that's how they feel. I'll take it," Cano said. "You make the decisions you think are right, but they're not."
Butler was diplomatic, saying he had no issues with Cano or his decision to pick Fielder, Bautista and Boston DH David Ortiz. But, he added, "I'm very happy to be liked here."
Fielder hit a record-tying 12 in the final round to Bautista's seven and 28 overall (including two of 476 feet), joining Ken Griffey Jr. as the only multiple Derby winners.
"It means a lot just being mentioned with Ken," said Fielder, who also won in 2009 in St. Louis. "If I'm invited, definitely I'll keep doing them, They're lot of fun; just a lot of fun."
Angels LF Mark Trumbo and Cardinals RF Carlos Beltran (a former Royal) were the semifinalists. Cano, Rockies RF Carlos Gonzalez, Pirates CF Andrew McCutchen and Dodgers CF Matt Kemp were eliminated in the first round.
FOR STARTERS: NL manager Tony La Russa was questioned about his choice of Giants RHP Matt Cain as his starter ahead of Mets knuckleballer R.A. Dickey. La Russa said he felt Cain was worthy but also acknowledged some concern over how his catchers would handle the knuckler.
And with Giants C Buster Posey starting, La Russa said it made sense to pair Cain with him then have Phillies C Carlos Ruiz warm up Dickey and bring them in together.
La Russa, who acknowledged it was "a tough call," said they "wanted to reward Matt Cain for a career of excellence that's getting better and better." And also, "I don't think it detracts at all from R.A.'s accomplishments and being here. Whenever he pitches, it's going to be a great event for him and for baseball and for ourselves."
Dickey, who is 12-1 with a 2.40 ERA compared with Cain's 9-3 and 2.62, said he was a little disappointed.
"I'm not going to break down in tears over it," he said. "But at the same time, I'm a competitor. I want to pitch. I want to start. I had a good enough first half to be considered."
La Russa also chose Gonzalez as his DH.
FUN AND GAMES: Not all the questions and answers at the media sessions are serious.
Among the topics Rays LHP David Price talked about: his favorite Japanese candies, Kansas City barbecue, his fondness for fountains, the last text message he sent (which he was asked to read on camera), his Vanderbilt education and — courtesy of Rays in-game host Rusty Kath — what cliches he prefers.
Price, wearing his Rays retro cap (backward) pretty much went along with anything. Then he got to provide his biggest reply of the day, reading one item from Monday night's top 10 list from the Late Show with David Letterman.
From, "Fun facts about the All-Star Game," Price delivered No. 6: "All-Star etiquette requires players to spit discreetly into a handkerchief."
MISCELLANY: La Russa, who retired after leading St. Louis to the World Series, is the fourth inactive manager to lead an All-Star team. … The NL has won the past two All-Star Games, its first win streak since taking three from 1994-96. … Tonight's musical performers include American Idol winner Phillip Phillips and country stars Luke Bryan and Kellie Pickler.
Home run derby
At Kansas City
First Round
Tot Long
Jose Bautista, Toronto 11 439
Carlos Beltran, St. Louis 7 436
Mark Trumbo, L.A. Angels 7 439
Prince Fielder, Detroit 5 454
Carlos Gonzalez, Colorado 4 433
Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh 4 436
Matt Kemp, L.A. Dodgers 1 420
Robinson Cano, N.Y. Yankees 0 0
Second Round
2R Tot Long
Prince Fielder, Detroit 11 16 476
Mark Trumbo, L.A. Angels 6 13 457
Jose Bautista, Toronto 2 13 428
Carlos Beltran, St. Louis 5 12 459
Swing off (5 swings)
Tot Long
Mark Trumbo, L.A. Angels (5 swings) 1 417
Jose Bautista, Toronto (3 swings) 2 442
Finals
Tot Long Avg.
Prince Fielder, Detroit 12 476 432
Jose Bautista, Toronto 7 438 418
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