Home Run Derby Open Thread
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 14, 2008 4:22 PM PDT
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PrintThe Home Run Derby just doesn't seem that interesting to me. Yes, it's got a ton of great young stars participating in it, like Utley, Hamilton, Longoria and Ryan Braun. But if I don't find the All Star Game itself very compelling, there's no reason for me to find this all that compelling. Apparently Jayson Stark doesn't either, but for different reasons than me. He's wondering where the Yankees are.
That being said, I will watch. My guess is that the righties in the lineup, Uggla, Longoria and Braun will be at a disadvantage because of Yankee Stadium.
So if I had to take a guess as to who would be the favorites, my feeling would be Josh Hamilton would be the man to watch out for (even with his zero homers in 10 ABs at Yankee Stadium). The other I like is Lance Berkman. Can never count out a savvy vet.
Who do you like? And do you like the home run derby? I would imagine I'd be a lot more into it if there was an Athletic there. Yes, I'm that much of a homer.
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I am liking the chances of Lance Berkman batting from the left side of the plate. He hits a jack 1 every 14 or so plate appearances from the left compared to 1 every 34 from the right!
My religion is A'slamic.
by WhoNeedsReligionWhenYaGotBaseball on Jul 14, 2008 4:29 PM PDT reply actions
AND he was a runner up before
I imagine he has to understand the pacing.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 14, 2008 4:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Definitely. Some new players tire out, as they don’t know how to pace themselves correctly. The Big Puma is going to claw his way to victory tonight. I would love to see Hamilton win it though, too.
My religion is A'slamic.
by WhoNeedsReligionWhenYaGotBaseball on Jul 14, 2008 4:34 PM PDT up reply actions
I (used to) love it
I completely love the home run derby. Oh wait, that’s right, I’m not in 5th grade anymore. I could probably not care less about the derby these days. Meh.
Shocking!!! A's fans not excited about HR Derby :-)
Perhaps they could have some new pre All Star Game traditions:
A Pitches-per-Plate Appearance Derby.
PABHR Derby (Plate Appearances Between Home Runs.)
DDLPA COMPETITION (days on DL per Plate Appearance.)
V4PT Derby (Veterens For Prospects Trades.)
BTB Faceoff (Best team Blogger)
Hey Blez
Is there a way no negotiate with this Imperial USA company in the terms of their advertising on AN or SB nation in general? I’m really sick of seeing this add telling me to root for the Red Sox and buy their merchandise…
The derby isn't all that interesting...
...they should let players into it that didn’t make the all-star team. Why should a player have to make the team to take part in a silly exhibition. The derby would be way more interesting this year with Giambi and Cust in it. I’d take Giambi as the favorite over Hamilton if he were in the darn thing…
"All managers are losers, they are the most expendable pieces of furniture on the face of the Earth."- Ted Williams
Jack Cust is perhaps the only player I can think of ...
... whose second-half-of-the-regular-season performance would probably benefit from his participating in the HRD.
I told them 'My game is like a blog.' Because I don't know what a blog is, but it don't sound good. @('.')@
i know i have no real proof, but
i think that whole “the home run derby screwed up my swing” thing is a load of crap. guys fool around in BP sometimes and try to hit jacks rather than get the work in. i think it’s more of an easy excuse if someone slumps in the second half than a true causative.
"All managers are losers, they are the most expendable pieces of furniture on the face of the Earth."- Ted Williams
by Gaijin_Suketto on Jul 14, 2008 5:10 PM PDT up reply actions
I Agree
The other day, I was thinking that if most of the All Stars don’t want to participate in the HR Derby, then open it up to heroic sluggers like Marco Scutaro. :>)
Seriously, guys like Jack Cust and Frank Thomas (health permitting) might like to participate, and be a blast to watch.
"...be a blast to watch."
Pun intended? :)
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
Jeez, everyone's so bitter about this tonight.
These guys are the best Home Run hitters in the league (willing to participate – hey A-Rod). It’s exciting for the league to see the latest generation of sluggers.
Home Run Derby needs two things...
1. Shortened to one round. Most homers wins, end of story. It’s not fun seeing this thing go to a third hour…the players are getting tired, and quite frankly, after the 10th 500-foot homer, it’s not so thrilling anymore. The only thing more tired is…
2. ...Chris Berman’s shtick. It needs to go. Away. Please, for the sake of all who have ear drums…
I want an A's-Rays ALCS.
by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Jul 14, 2008 5:15 PM PDT reply actions
It might also help...
...if this darn thing would get started already! Geesh…
Although Erin Andrews does make waiting fun… :)
I want an A's-Rays ALCS.
by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Jul 14, 2008 5:21 PM PDT up reply actions
They had the '07 one on earlier
McCovey’s quote was “we all got 10 swings and Willie Mays always won.” Now that’s a competition I’d be thrilled by.
Oh yeah
I want an A's-Rays ALCS.
by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Jul 14, 2008 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions
who is jsoh hamilton
"It's not my fault your team's so shitty." -Steve Friend, head coach, Chabot College, to Laney College's head coach, who asked why we scored so many runs after we beat Laney 30-3 in 2006
So-so. I'm always impressed with how Jeter handles himself though. Very articulate in
interviews, statistically fantastic and no off field incidents. A model professional.
when does she not?
"It's not my fault your team's so shitty." -Steve Friend, head coach, Chabot College, to Laney College's head coach, who asked why we scored so many runs after we beat Laney 30-3 in 2006
Well...there's an A's connection...
Is that Mike Gallego I see lobbing to Dan Uggla?
I want an A's-Rays ALCS.
by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Jul 14, 2008 5:22 PM PDT reply actions
how dare you
"It's not my fault your team's so shitty." -Steve Friend, head coach, Chabot College, to Laney College's head coach, who asked why we scored so many runs after we beat Laney 30-3 in 2006
Someone go find my glasses...
I can’t see a thing.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
You should get extra points for hitting a kid in the OF.
Double if make him bleed.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
That's a point, why don't they just bring one of their teammates along
with them to pitch to them (from the pitching staff).
Not someone on the roster.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
I don't know if they're allowed to or not. They generally just bring a
coach along – though Holliday had his brother last year and Braun has his agent this year I think.
I really like the unis this year.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
I do too
They just look right for this occasion
I want an A's-Rays ALCS.
by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Jul 14, 2008 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Both teams this year.
Last year was awful! That shitty orange the AL had? Blegh.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
Nice catch, kid!
He’s already better than Email.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
I missed the first few.
who has gone?
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
That's good.
I only missed the first two. Thanks!
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
Man!
Those are WAY up there.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
I am amazed at how high up they’re going in the upper deck haha who would’ve thought those would be the seats to have?
They're practically right up on the field anyway.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
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Oh to answer the question I like the Home Run Derby mostly for the stuff that goes on around the actual derby… the reactions of the other players, the players kids running around, hearing conversations and stuff going on. The home runs are fun, too but after awhile they do look a lot alike.
Plus this year Evan and Grady are in it and they’re two of my favorite baseball players so anything involving them is fun to watch :)
For those wondering about how close the upper deck is...
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
jamesvenes.com - Blog
Heck, it's only about two inches
from home plate to the RF upper deck, and about three inches to dead CF….
? I don’t get it…
"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer
by One won lost won on Jul 14, 2008 9:51 PM PDT up reply actions
How can we teach the children to love Baseball
if they can’t even fit in the stadium???
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
Was that what that commercial was for?
I’m on mute over here.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
too bad u have to be an AS
to compete otherwise I think our Jack Cust would easily win this contest.
I thought it was out of the stadium!
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
As for Blez being a homer...
what better place to be a homer than at the Home Run Derby?
"God doesn't pay attention to your cute little hypotheticals." -- Jeff from LL
I'm not watching this year
The faux build up with three rounds finally pushed me away. Berman…
he could simply replay last year’s…
Heck, reading Aner comments ….now, that’s excitement!!
"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer
by One won lost won on Jul 14, 2008 6:11 PM PDT reply actions
LOL
That guy was excited.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
Those were some big flies, eh?
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
I'm guessing he's had his agent throw to him recently
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
jamesvenes.com - Blog
It must have been the agent's dream to pitch
at Yankee Stadium.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
Yeah.
They should have let a fan throw BP. I think I could lob some meatballs up there. I was pretty good at it in softball. :)
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
I’d be waaaay too inconsistent. They would HATE me throwing it haha I’d probably hit them/other people. It would be terribly embarrassing.
But yeah that would be awesome if other fans got the opportunity haha
You're a little closer to the plate than normal...
so I’d like to think I’d be less likely to bounce it on the grass.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
Was that a PR stunt?
He’s not doing so hot.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
He's heating up...
but Nez has thrown at least 300 balls.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
I almost purchased a Hamilton shirt
while I was in Texas.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
Of course not
but what if we offer Embree/DFA?
by nevermoor on Jul 14, 2008 6:36 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
He's putting on a FRICKING SHOW.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
qotm
"It's not my fault your team's so shitty." -Steve Friend, head coach, Chabot College, to Laney College's head coach, who asked why we scored so many runs after we beat Laney 30-3 in 2006
Maybe they could restructure Zito's contract for a few dozen more years.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
jamesvenes.com - Blog
I'm waiting for Ziggy to get there with Kaylin. ;-)
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
jamesvenes.com - Blog
Wow, for a second there I thought it went completely out
But the Hess sign got it.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
jamesvenes.com - Blog
They play it enough in Arlington already whenever someone homers
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
jamesvenes.com - Blog
I think he's securing his spot in next year's all star game
How many of these fans are going to remember this next year when punching their ballots?
There's no crying in baseball!
This crowd is in Hamilton's back pocket, completely.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
jamesvenes.com - Blog
Holy crap.
I hate the HR Derby.
I’m loving this.
Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.
oh wow, the home run DERBY is on now?
oh man oh man, fire up the tv! pant pant, huff puff, gasp.
alaska A
Imagine if this guy were still on the Devil Rays.
Children, until we have taught them better, will be perfectly happy with a seasonal round of games in which conkers succeeds hopscotch.
I hope Duke is taking notes for the rest of the pitchers: Where NOT to pitch it to Josh Hamilton
There's no crying in baseball!
it'll be more exciting when he makes an out
like now, lol
by whiteshoes40 on Jul 14, 2008 6:48 PM PDT up reply actions
I stand corrected
The home run derby can be interesting.
by Tyler Bleszinski on Jul 14, 2008 6:47 PM PDT reply actions
Even when he doesn't get a good swing it's going out
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
jamesvenes.com - Blog
HOLY. CRAP!
pam5981: Patience is a virtue that I do not possess.
ohtobe21likehuston: But you're good at drinking and cussing. Two out of three ain't bad.
There is crying in baseball.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
That’s pretty much the 4 guys I thought would be in the next round. Hamilton just KILLED it. I will be disappointed if he doesn’t win.
Count yourself "disappointed!"
The contrived artifice of having “rounds” just to drag it out defeats itself!!
Just have anyone participate that wants to!! Enough of the “All Star sluggers” have ended up with one or zero..just let any MLB player who thinks he can hit them, hit them!
"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer
by One won lost won on Jul 14, 2008 9:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Jesus!!!!!!
Hamilton is fucking unreal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That was the most amazing power display I’ve ever seen…........I’m speechless.
P.S. Milton Bradley, I hate you for being a cancer in the A’s clubhouse and for being hurt all the damned time!!!!!!!!!! Curses!
I don’t really think he was a cancer in the clubhouse. I think you could argue that for when he was with the Dodgers… but he seemed to get along with a lot of A’s. But yes I’m with you on the hurt part haha
I believe he and Swish had a falling out.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
Up until Billy Beane got tired of his ass!
I’m sorry, but I was a huge MB fan until I heard all of that sh%t talking was doing about Beane and the A’s being racist against black players. Sourpuss….......
Plus, he plays for Texas and next to the Angels, they are numero uno on teams I hate!!!!!!
What a performance.
Simply awesome.
All the more reason to end the Derby after the first round. After a show like that, it just doesn’t seem right to even continue. Just give Josh Hamilton the trophy and a five-minute standing ovation, and take this to the house.
Wow.
I want an A's-Rays ALCS.
by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Jul 14, 2008 6:55 PM PDT reply actions
I don't know how this could get any better.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
after watching the first round
I just turned off the TV. Hamilton won, no matter what happens in the superfluous other rounds.
I really enjoyed watching the other players as Hamilton put on that display…and that smile on his face was really something special.
Just a flat out special baseball moment...
I usually love the HR Derby and the ASG..but that just trumped it all…That was truly remarkable and special on every level.
Bring back Hammer.
I'm glad they saved Josh for last.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
Jennifer, you would be super proud
of this Duchscherer glitter/puffy paint tee I’m making for the ASG tomorrow. I’ll have to try to get a pic of it.
pam5981: Patience is a virtue that I do not possess.
ohtobe21likehuston: But you're good at drinking and cussing. Two out of three ain't bad.
I'm looking forward to it!
:)
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
I will never forget this day.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
Can Mr. Hamilton go back to Cincy?
I don’t like him in our division.
"The hard... is what makes it great."
So I'm stuck between venerating Reggie
and hating him for being in such a tool for the Yankees.
No, Reggie, the reason Jeter and ARod and all those other “greats” are in NY right now isn’t because of the majesty of the Yankees. It’s because they’ve got the biggest checkbook.
I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib
Meh
You can’t really blame him for leaving us, and he was great for us for some pretty critical years.
Anyone with 140-160 OPS+ when we win the WS gets a free-pass-for-life
No, I don't blame him for leaving
especially when he did, but the “Yankee mystique” crap grows old and is really, really annoying.
I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 14, 2008 7:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Anyone else really annoyed by these Chevy ads?
You think, if they lowered gas prices a buck or two, maybe we wouldn’t have gas hoses with attitude problems…..damn hoses, think they own the place….
There's no crying in baseball!
I watched the entire Josh Hamilton show
in six minutes, 41 seconds, on MLB.com, for free…and NO CHEVY commercials.
No commercials at all. That is another peeve of mine about the HR Derby… dragged out for commercials.
"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer
by One won lost won on Jul 14, 2008 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Braun needs Clay to toss.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
And they got rid of Dane Cook
in the MLB commercials. Thank goodness. I like the guy who is doing it now.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
But you KNOW
It isn’t OCTOBER yet. He MIGHT be BACK.
by Englishmajor on Jul 14, 2008 11:26 PM PDT up reply actions
Ok... I turned on MLB.com thinking to see who won the durby and I find...
that Hamilton hit 28 fucking homeruns in the first round!?
facepalm.jpg
And many, many homers...
...were kee-rushed! One went 518.
I want an A's-Rays ALCS.
by FormerHuntsvilleStar on Jul 14, 2008 7:24 PM PDT up reply actions
No need to recount the action, boys...
It is all replayable on MLB.COM, free to anyone (no subscribtion needed).
Six+plus goooood minutes!
"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer
by One won lost won on Jul 14, 2008 9:59 PM PDT up reply actions
I just learned something.
Joe Mauer is the MLBPA President.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
Wow Josh!
Holy Toledo! I leave to fix dinner, and because damn, the HRD was kinda boring, and wow! I missed everything!
Stomper is a badass!
Watch on MLB.com
You don’t have to be a subscriber…You get to see about 20 of the 28 HRs.
Pretty good stuff!
"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer
by One won lost won on Jul 14, 2008 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions
And he stops at his number.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
I think he stopped
to save some for the finals.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
Ok,
who else entered to win tix to this and could just throw a major tantrum that they didn’t win them? Raise your hand.
Stomper is a badass!
So I had to stop watching after Hamilton hit in the first round
Can anyone tell me how many Ryan Goleski hit in round 1?
sorry, couldn’t help myself. I cringe everytime I think of it.
"Camelot sure fell apart, didn't it?"-Steve McCatty
Okay.
Now this is officially stupid.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
They should have Naked Homerun Derby.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
erin andrews can be naked any time
"It's not my fault your team's so shitty." -Steve Friend, head coach, Chabot College, to Laney College's head coach, who asked why we scored so many runs after we beat Laney 30-3 in 2006
I won't make the obvious
joke about the golden balls.
Mark Ellis: sent down from Heaven to rob Evil of hits and hand out rainbows
Maybe if they do start playing The Natural...
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
jamesvenes.com - Blog
GOB rocks!
I’d still rather have Street on my team than K-Rod, just because I hate douchebags. -Taj Adib
by Leopold Bloom on Jul 14, 2008 7:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Morneau may have won, but Hamilton REALLY won
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site
jamesvenes.com - Blog
Hamilton
DESTROYED the ball. That was fun to watch.
Also I laughed when they played the final countdown. Memories…
Sean Gallagher is my hero.
haha this is for all the "analysts"
who have been living under a rock all season who do not have hamilton as the best player in the league in 2008, in their rankings. The guy is simply a machine , and tonight he showed it on the world stage.
So glad I have him in my fantasy league. I’m a JH fan for sure, as long as he’s not playing the A’s
by TheGreenGoldCrush on Jul 14, 2008 9:30 PM PDT reply actions
Yeah, Athletics know how to pitch him
he’s gotten…what, one home run versus the A’s??
A’s gotta pick it up vs. Texas in the second half. Let’s hope Josh “lost his swing” playing HR Derby!
(Ha! fat chance!!)
"I never predict anything, and I never will." Paul Gascoigne, English footballer
by One won lost won on Jul 14, 2008 10:05 PM PDT up reply actions
Meh,
I’ve been a huge Hamilton fan for some time now, before the Reds picked him up, but best player in the league?
Assuming you mean the AL, both of his own teammates, Kinsler and Milton have decent cases for being as good as him. Grady Sizemore and Joe Mauer also have decent cases.
ZIPS: Milledge: 466 HR, 485 2B, 2282 hits, 278-379-524
No, they don't have a case at all
Maybe if you’re only going by first-half stats…but I’m pretty sure the teammates of his whom you listed would be the first to admit that Hamilton is better than them, even taking Bradley’s ego into account. Joe Mauer better than Josh Hamilton? Absurd.
"Behind both goals were banners bearing the word 'Calamity' while another carried the warning: 'You will drown in the Bosphorous.'"--Threats made by Turkish soccer fans to the British from a match in 2003. Tribute to their miraculous run in Euro 2008.
RIP Tim Russert, quintessential Buffalonian.
by Cutthemullet on Jul 15, 2008 3:28 AM PDT up reply actions
Agent: Little chance Bonds will play in majors this season
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3486926
Beating LAA or wherever the fu*k they are, Priceless!
Amazing
Anyone know where I can pick up a Josh Hamilton Majestic tshirt jersey?
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