Nelson Cruz not sure if he'd take part in Home Run Derby if asked

The Orioles' Nelson Cruz seems on his way to ending Boston's David Ortiz's three-year run as the starting designated hitter for the American League All-Star team.

Cruz, an All-Star in 2009 and again last year, has a sizable lead in the fan voting released Sunday. Cruz has 2,457,349 votes to 1,652,470 for Ortiz.

With 23 homers, Cruz ranks second in the majors in that category to Toronto's Edwin Encarnacion, who has 24 homers.

It seems there is a good chance Cruz will be asked to take part in the Home Run Derby. He took part in 2009 and finished second to Prince Fielder.

Cruz said today he is not sure he would say yes if asked to compete in the Derby, which will be held the night before the All-Star Game.

"I don't know," he said. "I have experience to do that and it was definitely awesome. But, at the same time, we are in the race here, so I have to think about the team first and about my teammates. And what is best for the team."

Cruz said he is flattered to be the leading vote getter. He is batting .295 with 23 homers, 60 RBIs, a .586 slugging percentage and .948 OPS.

"Any time you have a chance to go to the All-Star Game and be with the best players in all of baseball it's always exciting," he said. "Can't be any more thankful to the fans the way they have given me support and their votes. To be in front of David Ortiz, one of the greatest designated hitters of all time, is definitely special. It's a blessing."

Cruz said he is surprised that his lead over Ortiz is so large.

"Yeah, no doubt. David is one of the fans' favorites. To be ahead that far is definitely surprising," he said.

Cruz hit 12 homers in May, the most he's ever hit in one month. He produced his 12th career two-homer game on May 28 at Milwaukee.

Now he is likely heading to Minnesota on July 15 to take part in his third All-Star Game.

"It is always special," Cruz said. "Maybe the first time is the one you are caught up more and you try to figure out everything. After that, you know what to expect and what you went through. It is something to take pride in. Last year, I had a chance to be with Mariano (Rivera). Another one would be special."