Reigning Derby champ Cano AL's 2012 captain

NEW YORK -- Robinson Cano may be second among American League second basemen at the first checkpoint of All-Star Game balloting, according to figures released on Tuesday by Major League Baseball, but he already has big plans for a July trip to Kansas City.

Cano, last year's State Farm Home Run Derby champion, has been named as the American League's captain for the July 9 competition, scheduled to take place one day before the 83rd annual Midsummer Classic. The Dodgers' Matt Kemp was named as the National League's captain.

"It was fun last year, especially with my dad," said Cano, who had father, Jose Cano, on the mound for all 32 of his homers at Phoenix's Chase Field last July. "That's one of the most exciting things in the All-Star Game."

Cano said that he has not yet given much thought to whom he will ask to be on the AL home run-hitting squad, though he already knows that he will offer one roster spot to Yankees teammate Curtis Granderson.

"I would like to take Granderson, but I don't know if he wants to do it," Cano said. "I haven't talked to him yet. Besides that, I haven't thought of anybody yet. But I might in the next few days."

Granderson and Derek Jeter are in position for All-Star Game nods. Jeter has garnered 1,698,777 total votes, ranking second overall in the AL behind Josh Hamilton of the Rangers (2,587,991). Granderson's 1,406,128 votes are second among AL outfielders behind Hamilton's total.

Jeter is looking for his 13th All-Star selection at the July 10 Midsummer Classic, to take place at Kansas City's Kauffman Stadium, while Granderson is hoping for his third All-Star appearance and second consecutive fan-elected start.

The Yankees have been well represented on the tallied ballots thus far. Mark Teixeira (697,602) ranks second among AL first basemen to the Tigers' Prince Fielder (1,027,070), while Cano (1,167,448) is second among AL second basemen to the Rangers' Ian Kinsler (1,447,171).

Yankees designated hitter Raul Ibanez (492,183) is third among AL DHs, with the Red Sox's David Ortiz (1,204,904) pacing the way. Alex Rodriguez (657,315) is fourth among AL third basemen, with the Rangers' Adrian Beltre (1,179,864) leading.

Russell Martin (431,435) ranks fourth among AL catchers, with Texas' Mike Napoli (1,224,565) in the lead.

The AL outfield leaders are comprised of Hamilton, Granderson and the Rangers' Nelson Cruz (992,992). Nick Swisher (465,984) and Brett Gardner (437,126) are seventh and eighth, respectively, in the AL.

Fans can cast their votes for starters up to 25 times at MLB.com and all 30 club sites -- online or via your mobile device -- using the 2012 All-Star Game MLB.com Ballot until Thursday, June 28, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Fans can also once again participate in the State Farm Home Run Derby Fan Poll. Fans will have the opportunity to select three players in each league who they would most like to see participate in the State Farm Home Run Derby. The 2012 State Farm Home Run Derby -- part of Gatorade All-Star Workout Day -- will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Radio in the United States beginning at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, July 9.

The 2012 American League and National League All-Star teams will be unveiled on Sunday, July 1, on the 2012 MLB All-Star Game Selection Show, televised nationally on TBS. Baseball fans around the world will then be able to select the final player on each team via the 2012 All-Star Game Final Vote on MLB.com.

And the voting doesn't end there. The final phase of All-Star Game voting will again have fans participating in the official voting for the Ted Williams All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet. During the Midsummer Classic, fans will vote exclusively online at MLB.com via the 2012 All-Star Game MLB.com MVP Vote, and their voice will represent 20 percent of the official vote determining the recipient of the Arch Ward Trophy.

The 2012 All-Star Game will be played at Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday, July 10. Come to MLB.com for extensive online coverage of the All-Star Week festivities.

The 83rd All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX, in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS, and worldwide by partners in more than 200 countries via MLB International's independent feed. ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide national radio coverage of the All-Star Game. MLB Network and Sirius XM also will also provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage. For more information, please visit allstargame.com or royals.com/asg.