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 …

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."

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.

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 …

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.

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 …

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.

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.

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.

Mets start break one day too soon  —  But still look at season half-full  —  HOUSTON - The good news is the Mets are in first place at the All-Star break.  —  The bad news?  To hear the Mets tell it, there is none, but it's hard to take that tack after yesterday's 8-3 loss to the Astros.

Harden's right shoulder still doesn't feel 'right'  —  Rich Harden's troublesome right shoulder still didn't feel right Sunday, prompting him to skip his planned throwing session.  Harden will visit Angels team doctor Lewis Yocum today in Los Angeles and hopes to rejoin the A's for their scheduled workout Wednesday in Oakland.