Jerry Lai/US Presswire

Nelson Cruz, the runner-up in the Home Run Derby, could surprise in Tuesday's All-Star Game as well.

By Eduardo Perez, ESPN

The American League has been dominant in recent years in the All-Star Game. In fact, the AL hasn't lost since 1996. Most of the wins have been close, and last year's 15-inning affair in New York obviously could have gone either way. But for some reason the AL keeps winning. It's hard to pinpoint why that is, but the AL pitching is a key. I expect that trend to continue this year.

Looking at the two teams, the AL roster has the more dominating closers in Jonathan Papelbon, Mariano Rivera, Joe Nathan and Brian Fuentes. They are harder throwers, while the National League pitchers are typically finesse-type guys who might not be as accustomed to entering the game in a relief role. That shouldn't be overlooked. We all know good pitching beats good hitting. The National League has plenty of great hitters, but the AL pitching has just been a bit better. And that's still the case.

The National League lineup will be centered around Albert Pujols -- for good reason. NL manager Charlie Manuel will try to get him three at bats. That will be no small feat, considering three other first basemen are on the NL roster, and there is no DH slot. Baseball should start using the DH in All-Star Games, even in National League parks. It'd be an obvious way for teams to get more hitters into the game.

The NL could struggle some Tuesday night. Carlos Beltran will be out of the lineup due to injury, while Raul Ibanez, another big bat, was hurt for a while and is likely to get only one or two at-bats. The American League lineup looks a little more loaded. With the possible exception of fan favorite Josh Hamilton, all the AL players have been red-hot.

One matchup I'm looking forward to watching is Roy Halladay versus Pujols. Because big players rise to the occasion in big spots, I expect Pujols to do that against Halladay in his home park. But another guy to keep an eye on is Rangers outfielder Nelson Cruz, who did so well in the Home Run Derby on Monday night. He was named as a replacement for Torii Hunter but hasn't received his due yet, and this could be a chance for Cruz to become more of a household name. At age 29, he developed a little bit later than some expected, but he is a quality power hitter. He has 22 home runs this season, more than any other AL outfielder. He can really ambush you on that first pitch. If someone tries to just lay one in there to start his at-bat, he will hit it out. National League pitchers, beware; he leads the league with 11 first-pitch home runs.

Finally, there are two guys I'll be watching with a smile. Tim Wakefield and Ibanez are both longtime veterans making their All-Star debuts, and they'll both be embracing their opportunity on Tuesday.

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TOUCH 'EM ALL

With no games Monday, no one went deep, except for those participating in the Home Run Derby (well, besides Brandon Inge). So with the 80th All-Star Game set to be played Tuesday, here's a look back at the last 10 home runs hit in All-Star competition.

For more on the home run leaders this season, check out the Home Run Tracker page.

Home Run Tracker
YEAR	NAME	OPP	PITCHER	SITUATION
2008	J.D. Drew, BOS	NL	E. Volquez	Bot 7: 1 on, 2 outs
2008	Matt Holliday, COL	AL	E. Santana	Top 5: 0 on, 0 out
2007	Alfonso Soriano, CHC	AL	J.J. Putz	Bot 9: 1 on, 2 outs
2007	Victor Martinez, CLE	NL	B. Wagner	Top 8: 1 on , 2 outs
2007	Carl Crawford, TAM	NL	F. Cordero	Top 6: 0 on, 2 outs
2007	Ichiro Suzuki, SEA	NL	C. Young	Top 5: 1 on, 1 out
2006	David Wright, NYM	AL	K. Rogers	Bottom 2: 0 on, 1 out
2006	Vladimir Guerrero, LAA	NL	B. Penny	Top 2: 0 on, 1 out
2005	Andruw Jones, ATL	AL	K. Rogers	Top 7: 1 on, 0 out
2005	Mark Teixeira, TEX	NL	D. Willis	Bot 6: 1 on, 0 out