The House that Josh Built: Home Run Derby Thoughts...

They may have to change the name of the new stadium in the Bronx to: The House that Josh Built. 28 home runs in the first round. 3 home runs over 500 feet. Josh Hamilton may be the one that everyone is talking about today but don't forget that it was Justin Morneau who took home the trophy. (By the way, please check my posting yesterday and you'll see who correctly predicted the finals and the winner).

Morneau may have won but the story coming out of Yankee Stadium was Hamilton's record shattering first round. At one point, Hamilton homered on 13 consecutive swings! Hamilton finished with 13 more home runs than Morneau and led Morneau 32-17 after the first two rounds. But rules state that the participants start even in the final round. But no one will soon forget the amazing display which was put on by "The Natural".

From the article:

In between his many first-round drives, Hamilton signed autographs for players' kids and clowned around with teammates. Former A's outfielder Milton Bradley, now with Texas, mopped Hamilton's brow and adjusted his cap after one blast, and another time, Bradley came to Hamilton with a camera, and snapped the two of them together at the plate.

In a true measure of his accomplishment, the crowd of 53,716 chanted, "Hamilton, Hamilton," with increasing volume as he battered balls around the stadium, hitting three more than 500 feet. One was measured at 518.

According to published reports, in 2006, when Hamilton had just completed a partial season of Single-A ball in the Tampa Bay Rays' farm system, he said he had a dream that he was being interviewed after the Home Run Derby in New York. At the time, he had no idea Yankee Stadium would be hosting it or that he would be ever be a featured participant.

Hamilton hit 19 home runs with Cincinnati last season and then was traded to Texas in a deal that brought the Reds pitcher Edinson Volquez. I'd say this was a pretty good trade for both sides with the seasons that each are having so far.

Here's a List of Past Winners of the Home Run Derby:

Year	Player	Team	HR	SIte
2007	Vladimir Guerrero	L.A. (AL)	17	AT&T Park, San Fransico
2006	Ryan Howard	Phil.	23	PNC Park, Pittsburgh
2005	Bobby Abreu	Phil.	41	Comerica Park, Detroit
2004	Miguel Tejada	Balt.	27	Minute Maid Park, Houston
2003	Garret Anderson	Ana.	22	U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago
2002	Jason Giambi	Yanks	24	Miller Park, Milwaukee
2001	Luis Gonzalez	Ariz.	16	Safeco Field, Seattle
2000	Sammy Sosa	Chi. (NL)	26	Turner Field, Atlanta
1999	Ken Griffey, Jr.	Sea.	16	Fenway Park, Boston
1998	Ken Griffey, Jr.	Sea.	19	Coors Field, Denver
1997	Tino Martinez	Yanks	16	Jacobs Field, Cleveland
1996	Barry Bonds	S.F.	17	Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia
1995	Frank Thomas	Chi. (AL)	15	The Ballpark in Arlington, Texas
1994	Ken Griffey, Jr.	Sea.	7	Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh
1993	Juan González	Texas	7	Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore
1992	Mark McGwire	Oak.	12	Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego
1991	Cal Ripken, Jr.	Balt.	12	SkyDome, Toronto
1990	Ryne Sandberg	Chi. (NL)	3	Wrigley Field, Chicago
1989	Eric Davis	Cin.	3	Anaheim Stadium, Anaheim
1988	Rained out			Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati
1987	Andre Dawson	Chi. (NL)	4	Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Oak.
1986	Darryl Strawberry	Mets	4	Houston Astrodome
	(tie) Wally Joyner	Calif.	4
1985	Dave Parker	Cin.	6	Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis

It's Home Run Derby Day!! (And No AROD???)

One of the best aspects of All Star week is the annual Home Run Derby (4 p.m. PT, tonight on ESPN). With the All Star Game being played at Yankee Stadium this year, with that short porch in right field, it could be a great show this year.

Last year's champion, Vladamir Guerrero, won't be participating but there are 8 top stars who will be taking a crack at winning this year's event. Here's a list of those who will be playing this year:

Lance Berkman
Chase Utley
Ryan Braun
Evan Longoria
Dan Uggla
Grady Sizemore
Justin Morneau
Josh Hamilton

This should be a good one. I don't really believe that there is a favorite in this year's event and it should be wide open. The man who should be the favorite is Alex Rodriguez but he has chosen not to play. I'm not sure why he would choose not to participate in this year's event. It is the final season of Yankee Stadium, he's arguably the best player on the Yankees and he would draw a ratings bonanza.

From ESPN:

According to a source with knowledge of the Derby's inner workings, baseball wanted A-Rod to do more than just take a few hacks in this Derby. It wanted him to be the centerpiece of this Derby. And why not? This is his town. Those are his No. 4 train riders hanging out in those bleachers. And this is a historic week in the life of Yankee Stadium -- a ballpark whose very existence stands as a testimonial to the power of the long ball.

A-Rod told The New York Times last month that he didn't want to take part in this Derby because "it sets your swing back about three weeks." But we'd like to know exactly what he bases that on.

Whatever, A-Rod. If it really hurts your swing that much, how come you hit four homers in the first four games after the break when you last played in 2002.This is something you should do for baseball and for the fans. Baseball needs more good stories, rather than bad.

As for my pick: I think it will come down to the Natural Josh Hamilton and Justin Morneau for this year's title with Morneau winning. I have to go with Morneau in the finals but don't be surprised if Sizemore or Braun show up in their place. Thoughts anyone? Let me know your predictions!!!