The All-Star festivities will officially kick off this evening with the Futures Game (5PM CT, ESPN2) and will continue throughout the early part of next week.
This year's Futures Game should be a good one for Astros fans with Jose Altuve making the World Team roster, and it will be interesting to see if Altuve gets a chance to play at second base. Both rosters can be found here: US Team and the World Team. Most fans at Chase Field will be in for a treat if the diminutive Altuve steps into the batter's box. Although he is listed at 5'7, he's much closer to 5'5. Nonetheless, the little guy keeps hitting and his All-Star selection is well-deserved.
The State Farm Home Run Derby (7PM CT, ESPN) will be taking place on Monday night, and David Ortiz will look to repeat his title from last year's contest. Ortiz chose Jose Bautista, Robinson Cano, and Adrian Gonzalez to fill out the American League squad. Prince Fielder, Matt Holliday, Rickie Weeks, and Matt Kemp will be representing the National League this year.
If you're a fan of pop culture and baseball greats, make sure you tune in to the Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game (9:30PM CT, ESPN) following the Home Run Derby on Monday night.
Finally, the 2011 MLB All-Star Game is on Tuesday night, and the interactive rosters can be found here. Hunter Pence is the lone Astros representative.
Let the festivities begin.