CarGo ready for ASG, HR Derby

Former Missoula Osprey outfielder Carlos Gonzalez will be spending the All-Star Break trying to hit the long ball on Monday in the State Farm Home Run Derby, and playing the outfield for the National League in Tuesday's Major League Baseball All-Star Game in Kansas City.

Gonzalez was selected to participate in the Monday night event by the captain of the National League Home Run Derby side, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp. Also taking part for the NL will be Pittsburgh outfielder Andrew McCutchen (in for Miami outfielder Giancarlo Stanton) and St. Louis outfielder Carlos Beltran.

The American League foursome consists of captain, and defending Home Run Derby Champion, Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees, Jose Bautista of the Toronto Blue Jays, Prince Fielder of the Detroit Tigers and Mark Trumbo of the Los Angeles Angels.

Of the eight participants, CarGo has the 6th-most home runs of the group, but hits his at a longer average distance (412 feet) than anyone else other than Trumbo (419 feet).

Gonzalez, who was selected as a reserve for the midsummer classic, is putting together a very solid season for the Colorado Rockies, with a .330 batting average, 17 home runs and 58 RBIs. CarGo ranks sixth in the National League in batting average, and is in the top 10 in both home runs and RBIs, is fifth in the circuit in slugging percentage (.578), third in total bases (182) and leads the NL with 81 runs scored.

Gonzalez has developed into a perennial MVP candidate over the past couple of seasons since being acquired by the Rockies during the 2009 season. While in Missoula, Gonzalez hit .258 with six home runs, 25 RBIs and 12 stolen bases.

The Osprey will return home to start a seven-game homestand against Grand Junction and Orem on Wednesday, July 11. Tickets are available now at the MSO Hub Box Office, located at 140 North Higgins in Downtown Missoula, online at MissoulaOsprey.com and by phone (406) 543-3300.