Kemp Picks NL Friends To Make Sure He Doesn't Injure Himself In Home Run Derby

Speaking of fireworks: Matt Kemp has chosen his teammates for this year's Home Run Derby.

On Sunday night, Kemp announced he would compete alongside first-timers Giancarlo Stanton, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Gonzalez in the 2012 State Farm Home Run Derby at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.

The Home Run Derby can be seen on MLB.com and ESPN at 8 p.m. ET on July 9. The All-Star Game is on FOX at 8 p.m. on July 10. [...]

As for the NL squad, though Kemp has been sidelined since May 30 with a strained left hamstring and will miss the All-Star Game, he still plans to take his cuts in the Derby. In just 36 games this season, Kemp has mashed 12 home runs.

"I'm going to participate in it," Kemp said on Sunday night. "It's just like batting practice. I've been doing that the past three weeks, so I'm ready for that."

Beltran sits in second place in the NL with 20 homers, while Stanton has 19 and Gonzalez has 17. Reigning NL MVP and current NL home run leader Ryan Braun will not participate.

Kemp noted that teammate Andre Ethier was going to be selected before he strained his left oblique earlier this week.

"I had to find a replacement," Kemp said. "I wish he could. That would have been exciting. I think his kids would've enjoyed dad in the Home Run Derby. The kids seem to enjoy it the most. I'm pretty disappointed he can't participate in it. Hopefully next year."

You three kids just make sure that Matt Kemp gets through the Derby safely, you hear?