Edmonds won't fret over HR contest

ST. LOUIS -- The All-Star Game home run derby is the ultimate no-pressure event for Jim Edmonds of the St. Louis Cardinals.

If he hits some long balls tonight, that would be nice. If he gets shut out, that's fine, too.

"I don't really pay attention to it too much," Edmonds said. "If I was to go home, I don't know if I would sit on the couch to watch it.

"I would definitely be interested in it, but I wouldn't slow down personally to watch."

Edmonds doesn't consider himself a home run hitter; his best season was 42 in 2000. But this year he's among the major league leaders with 28, his most ever before the break.

Manager Tony La Russa wouldn't be surprised if Edmonds, with his catapult swing, makes some noise in the derby.

"I'll tell you what, if he gets it cranking he'll hit as many as anybody," La Russa said.

Edmonds has considerably lower hopes.

"I don't really care," he said. "I'd be surprised if I hit any, and I'd be surprised if I won. You just never know what's going to happen.

"I'm going to try to hit some home runs and then go home and go to sleep."

Edmonds and his four teammates could get a lot of playing time in the All-Star Game.

Albert Pujols was the overall leading vote-getter for the game, shortstop Edgar Renteria also will start, and third baseman Scott Rolen and pitcher Woody Williams are reserves.

Because there's no center fielder among the starting eight, either Edmonds or Andruw Jones of the Atlanta Braves could make a start with one of the outfielders moving to DH.

Again, no high hopes. Except for his desire to watch teammate Williams, an All-Star for the first time at age 36, get a chance to pitch.

"If I get one at-bat and an inning, I'll be happy," Edmonds said. "Actually, I'd rather sit on the bench and watch Woody pitch.

"That would be worth it if he pitches."