2009 MLB Home Run Derby
A look at the 2009 Home Run Derby Participants.
Post Comment|1 Liked It
As the first half of the baseball season draws to a close, it can only mean that the all-star game and the home run derby are upon us.
After the All-Star roster’s were officially completed, the participants of the Home Run Derby were announced.
Representing the American League will be the recently added, Carlos Pena of the Tampa Bay Rays, the recently added Nelson Cruz of the Texas Rangers, Joe Mauer of the Minnesota Twins, and Brandon Inge of the Detroit Tigers. Representing the National League will be, Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals, Adrian Gonzalez of the San Diego Padres, Prince Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers, and Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies.
When looking at this lineup, one will first notice the abundance of first basemen (all of the National League participants, and Carlos Pena from the American League). Secondly, one will immediately notice the participation of the league’s current leader in Home Runs, Albert Pujols. It will be interesting to watch Pujols, who has avoided injury this entire season, in his home park. Pujols has been among the league leaders from the start of the season in runs scored, RBIs, Home Runs, and batting average. It can be said that no player in baseball is as feared a hitter or as important to his team as Albert Pujols.
Image via Wikipedia
With this being said, Albert Pujols is the strong favorite to win the event. However, as we saw last year with Josh Hamilton’s performance, even the best Home Run hitter in the event can fall in the last round. Furthermore, the other participants in the Derby should not be neglected. Adrian Gonzalez, Carlos Pena, Prince Fielder, Ryan Howard, and Nelson Cruz have all hit over 20 home runs. Although Inge and Mauer have not reached the 20 home run mark, Inge has hit well all season and currently has 19 home runs. Mauer on the other hand has only hit 15. While this number may stand out in the crowd of sluggers it should be noted that Mauer missed an entire month with an injury before hitting. Even after missing a month, Mauer has already posted better numbers than any players who have played the entire season. Furthermore, Mauer has already surpassed his season average in home runs, and we are only half way through the season.
Although I have touted Pujols as the favorite, with him being so dominant and in his home park. However anything is possible, and despite who wins, I am sure this Home Run derby will be both entertaining and memorable for everyone.
