MILWAUKEE -- Offense, offense, offense. Power, power, power. That's today's fashion statement.

The display from Monday night at Miller Park -- the Home Run Derby -- is clearly what the viewing public wants to see.

	Atanta pitchers are happy to have Andruw Jones behind them.

But whatever happened to the excitement of a shortstop going in the hole to make a dazzling stop and nailing the runner at first base by half a step? And how about the outfielder who makes a diving catch, or better yet, a catch to rob a batter of a home run? While those types of defensive plays get plenty of oohs and aahs, they don't quite grab the attention of a Barry Bonds or a Jason Giambi home run.

But if you ask the Twins' Torii Hunter what gets his juices flowing, it's making that home-run saving catch rather than hitting one of his own.

"Taking a home run away from someone is definitely better than hitting one myself," said Hunter, who will be the starting center fielder for the American League in Tuesday's All-Star Game. "It's like gaining a point for our team and taking away a point from the other team. When I'm able to do that, it's such a great feeling."

In a short period of time, Hunter has gone from a nobody to a somebody, and much of that transformation can be attributed to his superior defensive play, which earned him his first Gold Glove last season.

"I have the best seat in the house, and watching Torii on an everyday basis is simply incredible," said Twins catcher A.J. Pierzynski. "I remember one play in particular early this season when Torii robbed (Kansas City's) Joe Randa of a home run by reaching over the fence and pulling the ball back. After that play, I could just see the entire Royals team just get deflated. And it gave our team a great lift. He's such an extremely exciting player to watch."

To go along with his spectacular defense, Hunter has also shined offensively this season as evidenced by his .306 batting average, 20 home runs and 61 RBI in 87 games. But don't be swayed by those numbers, as Hunter remains best known for his outstanding glovework.

"Torii is simply an amazing athlete and he has such great instincts which help him be considered among the best (outfielders in the game)," Twins closer Eddie Guardado said. "When I go out there on the mound I have the utmost confidence in Torii and the defense around me."

The game's other great ballhawk in center field is Atlanta's Andruw Jones, who has been known to break a heart or two after his dazzling plays in the field. The thing that makes Jones stand out is his gracefulness. Difficult plays for your average player are made to look quite simple by Jones.

"I attribute much of my success to good scouting reports by our scouts and our coaching staff," Jones said. "We are so prepared for each game we play. It's amazing the detail that goes into the reports we get."

And while the Red Sox have been led by the pitching of Derek Lowe and Pedro Martinez, who are a combined 23-6, a good portion of their success can point directly to the play of center fielder Johnny Damon. While Damon has impressed at the plate (a .308 batting average, .374 on-base percentage along with 22 stolen bases in 81 games) his defensive play has been a big help to the Boston pitching staff, which suffered through Carl Everett playing the position last season.

"Playing good defense can allow a pitcher to relax and I believe that whenever you're able to do that you put your team in a position of strength," Damon said. "Playing good defense means a lot to having success and you can see that with our team."

When you get yourself caught up in next year's Home Run Derby or find yourself glued to the television sometime in the next week in anticipation of watching another Bonds or Giambi home run, think about Hunter going over the wall to make a spectacular catch. Or think about Jones moving so effortlessly in the outfield and catching a deep drive in his back pocket.

Because those types of plays are just as exciting as all those monster moonshots.

Matt Szefc is the assistant baseball editor at ESPN.com.