MLB Home Run Derby 2014: Blue Jays’ Jose Bautista, Rockies’ Troy Tulowitzki named captains

As we exit the month of June and enter July, the sad realization has set in that the 2014 Major League Baseball season has reached its halfway point. But, there is a bit of good news around this time of year in that the 2014 MLB All-Star Game is nearly here, and that also brings with it one of the more anticipated events of the season, the Home Run Derby.

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On Monday afternoon, we learned who will be captaining this year’s squads. For the American League, Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista will be in charge of the American League squad, while Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki will be manning the National League team.

While the rest of the teams have yet to be announced, there couldn’t be two more deserving captains for this year’s event.

On the season for the surging Blue Jays, Bautista is batting .305 with 15 home runs and 49 RBI. Putting his tremendous power on display once again, Bautista has his team contending for an American League East title as we enter the midway point of the season.

Tulowitzki ranks second in the National League with 18 homers, which is also good enough for sixth place in the Major Leagues.

This year’s All-Star festivities will emanate from Target Field in Minneapolis, home of the Minnesota Twins.