Making an already fantastic event even better … SAN FRANCISCO — Let's get this straight right from the first sentence: There's nothing "wrong" with the Home Run Derby.  —  Heck, we love the Home Run Derby.  We're not the only ones, either.  The whole country loves the Home Run Derby.

NL's Peavy to oppose AL's Haren in All-Star Game  —  SAN FRANCISCO — Dan Haren will start the All-Star Game for the American League just across the bay from his home ballpark in Oakland.  —  The Athletics' ace was picked by AL manager Jim Leyland on Monday to oppose San Diego's Jake Peavy …

Notes: Francoeur has been on tear  —  Braves right fielder hit 10th homer Saturday on anniversary  —  SAN DIEGO — Jeff Francoeur celebrated the second anniversary of his Major League debut Saturday by hitting his 10th home run of the season, a two-run shot off the Padres' David Wells.

Dan Patrick to Leave ESPN on Aug. 17  —  ESPN television and radio personality, Dan Patrick, finally announced today what many had been speculating for over a week: He is leaving the Worldwide Leader in Sports.  —  At the beginning of the second hour of his radio show, Patrick announced, "I'm going to leave ESPN August 17."

Don't Bet Farm on a Yanks Fire Sale  —  Like many people, I have too much clutter in my office, and, from time to time, I think it would be a good idea to get rid of it.  The problem, of course, is that no one would want it, for the same reason I don't want it.

Milledge could start in left after break  —  HOUSTON — Lastings Milledge could be the Mets' leftfielder when the team returns from the All-Star break Thursday.  —  Milledge went 3-for-5 yesterday after going 2-for-5 with a triple and two RBIs Saturday night for Double-A Binghamton …

Willis remains prime trade bait for Marlins  —  LIKE THIS STORY?  —  If ever the Marlins were to move left-hander Dontrelle Willis, the time is now.  —  The White Sox's signing of left-hander Mark Buehrle to a four-year, $56 million contract extension further depressed the trade market …

Native American Prospect Has Red Sox Fans Buzzing  —  Jacoby Ellsbury went back to the minors Friday, but not before he gave the Red Sox a glimpse of the future.  He can hit, he has Gold Glove potential and he can really run.  Widely acclaimed as the best prospect developed …

Upton working way up  —  SAN FRANCISCO - Justin Upton hadn't really thought about it, but his face lit up when someone mentioned that the home run he hit into the left field bleachers at AT&T Park sailed high over Barry Bonds territory.  —  "That's pretty cool," Upton said with a laugh.

Hot start spurs worries for future status  —  As last season ended, Rockies general manager Dan O'Dowd determined that he wanted Kazuo Matsui back to inject speed into the top of the lineup.  An aggressive pursuit and mutual interest led Matsui to sign a one-year, $1.5 million deal with $940,000 …

Buchholz moving up  —  If you read Amalie Benjamin's minor league notebook last week, you know all about Justin Masterson, and the Eastern League got their first exposure to him this afternoon and it was dazzling.  Masterson pitched 6 2/3 innings of no-hit ball against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

Angels waive Hillenbrand  —  ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) -The Angels waived infielder-designated hitter Shea Hillenbrand on Monday, a disappointment for Los Angeles after signing a $6.5 million, one-year contract in December.  —  The 31-year-old Hillenbrand batted .254 with three homers and 22 RBIs in 53 games with the Angels.