This Monday marks Major League baseball's annual Home Run Derby presented by 21st Century Homes. For fans of America's pastime, it's an evening of fun, family, and steroid skepticism. It's a time when all of the game's most talented stars gather in one ballpark, and litter the baselines with small children and video cameras (two guesses as to which one most players would cover up if a foul ball came howling their direction).
Now that I've got the majority of my witty banter out of my system, let's get to the contestants. Each slugger has been given odds on winning the competition and an over/under as to how many home runs they'll smack over the outfield wall at Yankee Stadium. As of now there are only six people signed up, so two entries won't show up here, but that's their loss. So without much further adieu...
Representing the National League
Lance Berkman, 1B, Houston Astros
Berkman is about the only bright spot on the Astros this season. Houston is dead last in the NL Central, and with the recent acquisition frenzy among the top teams in the division, the Astros have been sent even further down the ladder. Berkman has 22 home runs, and 70 RBI, and is hitting a smoking .347. He is a switch hitter, which in a park that gives lefties a considerable advantage, Berkman has a good chance.
Odds of winning: 5-1, Over/Under:20
Ryan Braun, LF, Milwaukee Brewers
In just his second season in the majors, Braun is already feared as one of the NL's top hitters. He is the reigning National League Rookie of the Year, but is sometimes overlooked in a lineup which includes power hitters Prince Fielder, and Bill Hall. Braun also has 22 home runs, but trails Berkman in RBI with 66, and batting average at .284. The fact that he's a right-handed hitter is a bit of a concern, and like the other participants representing the NL, stepping into Yankee Stadium will be unfamiliar territory.
Odds of winning: 9-1, Over/Under: 18
Dan Uggla, 2B, Florida Marlins
This guy is really something special. One of the biggest reasons the Florida Marlins are flirting with yet another NL East division crown, Uggla has become the anchor in the Marlins' lineup. Uggla is another righty in the competition, and is a good pick for a darkhorse in the Derby. The second baseman has blasted 23 home runs, and 58 RBI, while hitting .289.
Odds of winning: 8-1. Over/Under: 22
Chase Utley, 2B, Philadelphia Phillies
If it weren't for this guy, Uggla would be a shoe-in as the starting 2B for the NL. But, apologies to Mr. Uggla, because Chase Utley is having a phenomenal season. Utley already has 25 home runs and 68 RBI, and is hitting .294 in another powerful lineup. He is an easy pick to win the Derby, with the fact he is a left-handed hitter giving him a considerable advantage against all of the righties.
Odds of winning: 4-1, Over/Under: 25
And now for your American League contestants...
Josh Hamilton, CF, Texas Rangers
Where in the hell did this kid come from? Ohhh that's right, rehab. The former first overall selection back in 1999 battled a cocaine addiction, and has turned in his crack pipe for a baseball bat, in one of the most sensational stories this year. Hamilton leads the major leagues with an astounding 87 RBI, and has 19 home runs to complement his.309 batting average. It'll be interesting to see what this kid can do in his first All-Star appearance.
Odds of winning: 7-1, Over/Under: 21
Grady Sizemore, CF, Cleveland Indians
I'm not totally sold on Sizemore, which probably means he'll end up winning the whole thing. Sizemore has more power in a leadoff man than I've seen in a while, and leads the American League with 22 HR. 50 RBI isn't too impressive, but thankfully for Sizemore, the name of the game is HOME RUN derby.
Odds of winning: 10-1, Over/Under: 18
So, you've managed to get through all of the above ranting? I'm impressed. Well, not really, but as far as you know I am. I'll bet you're asking yourself 'hey? How do you guys think this thing will turn out?' Well here is how we think it'll all go down in the Bronx...
Contestants making to the 2nd round..
Chase Utley
Dan Uggla
Josh Hamilton
Player to be named
Contestants to the final round...
Chase Utley
Josh Hamilton
2008 Home Run Derby presented by 21st Century champion...
Chase Utley
Well there you have it. That's the home run derby in a nutshell. Let the bidding begin.
Disclaimer: No actual money or prizes will be awarded.
