ESPN analyst likes Matt Holliday's chances in Home Run Derby

Oklahoma also will be represented with Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Matt Kemp, a Midwest City High School graduate, who will be making his first appearance.

“People are going to get to see Matt Kemp for the first time in the big public forum and see how special a player he is,” Kruk said.

Garciaparra said Kemp, who had 22 home runs through Friday's games, will be hindered by his Home Run Derby inexperience.

“The difficult thing is to get away from all the emotion that's surrounding it,” he said. “Get away from the anxiety, because that is all going to be a part of it.

“You realize there are thousands and thousands of people in the stands. All they're doing is focused on you and watching. All eyes are on you in this one swing and every one you do. ... But I think he has the body and strength to do it.”

Kruk said competitors also must learn to pace themselves. He noted Josh Hamilton had a record-setting first round with 28 homers in 2009, but finished second after tiring.

“People remember Josh Hamilton and how many home runs he hit,” he said. “But they forget that the later rounds he didn't do too well because of the fatigue factor.”