Kuzul

Can you believe the MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby are less than one week away? It seems like the baseball season just started, but now all of a sudden it’s the middle of July, and baseball’s Midsummer Classic will be here before you know it.

As you know, the MLB All-Star Game is used to give the players who have had the best season so far a chance to show off their talents. It also determines home-field advantage for the World Series, but that’s another discussion altogether.

The highlight of the All-Star festivities used to be the Home Run Derby. It’s baseball’s version of the NBA’s Slam Dunk Contest. But like its NBA counterpart, the Derby has lost some of its luster over the years.

But MLB is looking to infuse new life into the long-ball contest with a complete overhaul of the rules. This year’s Derby will be held July 13 at 8 p.m. ET. You can see the contest on ESPN and WatchESPN.

Here’s a look at this year’s participants, followed by an explanation of how this year’s Derby will work. Both the lineup and rule changes are courtesy of MLB.com.

The biggest names in the field are Albert Pujols and two-time champ Prince Fielder. But young guns Joc Pederson, Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo will be looking to make a name for themselves under the bright lights.

One of the most notable changes to the format is that the Derby will now be a single-elimination tournament. Here’s the bracket, thanks to ESPN Stats & Info:

Another major change to the contest is that instead of each hitter getting a set number of outs, there will be a running five-minute clock during which the batter tries to hit as many homers as he can. That seems simple enough, but there are also a few wrinkles that can create some excitement.

During the final minute, the clock will stop after each home run hit and will restart after a non-home run lands or the batter whiffs on a pitch. And since we know chicks dig the long ball, batters will be awarded bonus time if they hit two bombs that go at least 420 feet and even more time if they hit another fly at least 475.

For those who prefer visual aids, ESPN Stats & Info also provided a glance at the relevant new rules:

If the NCAA tournament has taught us anything, a win-or-go-home format is inherently more exciting There will be built-in drama when time is running out and players know how many homers they need to advance. 

This may not be a perfect solution to maximize the excitement of the Home Run Derby, but it is certainly a step in the right direction. We will have to see how it plays out, but the Derby has enough star power and potential drama to be a worthwhile watch.

What do you think of the new Derby format? How else could MLB change it to make it better? Sound off in the comments below, or let Justin know on Twitter @JustinNeuman10.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com