MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - There will be a new champion crowned at the
home run derby this year.

Minnesota Twins slugger Justin Morneau says he has declined an
invitation to participate in the popular All-Star Game event, which
will be held Monday in St. Louis. He says he wants to rest and
would prefer to watch.

Morneau won last year's competition at Yankee Stadium, but that
was overshadowed by Josh Hamilton's record 28 homers in the first
round. The Rangers' outfielder tired as the event dragged on and
Morneau outlasted him 5-3 in the finals.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire says he is happy to hear Morneau
will be sitting this one out.

Hamilton isn't going to participate, either, at the request of
his manager.