White Power?

The 2008 Homerun Derby is tonight at Yankee Stadium. This year’s field features many new faces and some proven power. Everyone seems to be saying that the short porch in rightfield is going to be the difference this year with sluggers Lance Berkman, Josh Hamilton, Grady Sizemore and Justin Morneau having the advantage. Only Berkman and Morneau have competed before with varying results. Berkman finished second in 2004 and has competed in 2002 and 2006 where he finished in last and sixth. Morneau competed last year and finished fifth after losing a swing off to Albert Pujols, who advanced to the second round. When you look at the eight participants the name that jumps out to me is Lance Berkman and Chase Utley. By liking these two there is no doubt that right hand batters Evan Longoria and Ryan Braun will blast away the competition. Berkman’s experience is the kicker for me but who knows what newcomers Josh Hamilton, Dan Uggla, Chase Utley, Grady Sizemore, Evan Longoria, and Ryan Braun can do. They all possess youthful power and should look to provide some excitement once they get over their nerves. It is interesting to note the International Flair of this year’s lineup. Canada’s Justin Morneau is the only non-US born player participating. Players are starting to escape the derby since for some, it may ruin their swing. There is some merit to this as Bobby Abreu seemed to have messed up his swing when he hit 41 in the 2005 Derby. Despite this, the 2008 field is no slouch when compared to previous years. I’ll certainly watch it to see how my predictions fair. And about those predictions.
First four eliminated: Evan Longoria, Justin Morneau, Dan Uggla, Ryan Braun.
Next two gone: Grady Sizemore and Josh Hamilton
Winner: Lance Berkman with Chase Utley runner-up.
Josh Hamilton jf