Derby Time
Every July we get an exhibition that is hands down the best in all of sports, the Home Run Derby. The Home Run Derby is the best skill display in all of sport because it showcases the best players in baseball, unlike the NBA’s Slam Dunk contest which now features mediocre players. As kids we would love to watch it and mimic it in the front yard, plus anyone who plays baseball video games loves the Home Run Derby mode. Even though over the years the format has changed the rules never changed, hit a home run or it’s an out. My favorites include:
· Josh Hamilton’s 28 in single round at Yankee Stadium (2008)
· Bobby Abreu’s 41 total at Comerica Park (2005)
· Big Mac and Junior teeing off at Fenway (1999)
· First Derby at Coors Field (1998)
Every other sport doesn’t really have anything that can compare to the Home Run Derby. Basketball has the Slam Dunk Contest has lacked star power and have changed the rules and format so many times no one knows what’s going on. Football has a few skills challenges for the Pro Bowl which neither the contests nor the game is taken seriously. Hockey has a pretty cool skills challenge for the All-Star Game but it doesn’t get much publicity cause hockey isn’t the most popular sport in the states.
This year we have some great contestants which should lead to an exciting Home Run Derby:
AL
Robinson Cano put a great team together with guy s that can hit the ball for miles but can they put the ball out often enough to win the contest.
Robinson Cano (20 HR, captain) – The defending champ is back as this year’s captain and has an effortless swing and has been known to go deep early and often.
Jose Bautista (27 HR)– Joey Bats has been one of the best home run hitters in the game the last couple year but struggled in last year’s derby only hitting 4 home runs.
Prince Fielder (14 HR)– Last year’s NL captain makes his debut as a member of the AL, he’s off to a slower start than expected but he is on a new team in a new league.
Mark Trumbo (21 HR) – The Angels slugger is off to a great start despite not having much playing time to start the season then having to play multiple positions just to get into the lineup. He has a great bat and needs to be in the lineup every day.
NL
Matt Kemp (12 HR, captain) – After a disappointing 2 home runs in last year’s derby Kemp is back as the captain and returning from a hamstring injury that’s plagued him over the last few months. He is not playing in the All Star Game but will hit tonight, Dodger fans don’t be too nervous the derby is glorified batting practice and the hamstring should be fine.
Carlos Beltran (20 HR) – The Beltran of old has somehow resurrected in St. Louis after disappointing in New York and San Francisco.
Carlos Gonzalez (17 HR) – CarGo is having another good season but injuries and his team’s losing record have put a damper on his good statistical season.
Andrew McCutchen (18 HR) – McCutchen is truly worth every bit of the hype he had since being called up a few years ago. He can hit for power, he has speed and has become an MVP candidate. He has led the surprising Pirates to first place in the NL Central.
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