Guerrero says he won't defend Home Run Derby title

[July 09, 2008]  ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Vladimir Guerrero will not defend his title in the Home Run Derby during All-Star week. The Los Angeles Angels slugger plans to spend the All-Star break next week with his family after he didn't make the team as a starter or reserve.

"If I go, I've got to get there at 6 a.m. the same day I have to hit, and then I have to go right back," Guerrero said, speaking in Spanish to a reporter before Tuesday night's game at Texas. "It's better that I take my three days off and get ready for the second half of the season."

Guerrero started the day hitting .289 with 15 homers and 49 RBIs.

Confirmed entrants in Monday's contest are Philadelphia's Chase Utley, Florida's Dan Uggla, Houston's Lance Berkman, Cleveland's Grady Sizemore, Texas' Josh Hamilton and Milwaukee's Ryan Braun.

Two more players will be added to the event at Yankee Stadium, where the All-Star game is to be played the following day.

[Associated Press]

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