HR Derby

[KrunK]

I'll be pissed if Junior isn't in it. I've never heard of this "Home Run Derby messes with their swings" stuff. What do guys do in batting practice? Try and crush the ball. Playing a few rounds in the derby shouldn't alter a swing these players have been working on since they played t-ball. That's like saying NBA players will start to shoot long on everything after the All Star break if they compete in the 3 Point Contest. Too bad you're not in my league though, I'd be glad to take Prince Fielder or Ryan Howard off of your hands since the Derby will ruin them for the rest of the season.

[jake_harv88]

It didn't affect Howard because his swing is used for hitting homeruns every swing anyways. Just like if Prince were to enter, it wouldnt affect him at all since he takes a massive cut every time. The guys it affected, Tejada/Abreu/D. Wright, are guys that are line drive hitters, putting the ball into play and into gaps. The derby forced their swings to alter, and they have all had trouble reversing the effects. There has been quite a debate on this not only on this site but in baseball circles everywhere, and I'm pretty sure most people are not ready to dismiss the HR Derby problems so readily. Im not saying trade your players away if they are in the Derby, thats just ridiculous, but be cautious with your players that enter and don't trade for a good line drive hitter out of the derby.

I think this is a pretty good analysis. If a guy hits more linedrives but then enters the HRD he might tend to try to uppercut more often. This could continue into the second half of the season. Personally I think its all bogus. Teams have all kinds of hitting instructors and videos and should be able to work out an upper cut swing. At least thats how I view. HOWEVER there have been many cases of players dominating the HRD and then slumping the second half of the year (abreu, wright). So I think there is some legitmacy to the claim.


Anyways has the list been announced? I am curious...

[byfrcp]

Miguel Cabrera is confirmed. That gives us Cabrera, Morneau, Fielder, and Howard thus far.

[dclark0699]

how is Howard in? He didn't make the all star team did he?

[bigh0rt]

Barry's got 99 Problems, but a pitch ain't one...

Barry Bonds will sit out of the Home Run Derby on Monday night, opting to rest his tired body before Tuesday night’s All-Star Game....

Bonds will be busy Monday night anyway, at a party he’s throwing along with hip-hop artist Jay-Z.

ESPN | FULL STORY

[byfrcp]

how is Howard in? He didn't make the all star team did he?

You don't have to be on the All Star Team to participate in the Derby

[dclark0699]

how is Howard in? He didn't make the all star team did he?

You don't have to be on the All Star Team to participate in the Derby

Oh. Wow. I can't believe I never noticed that. Must just seem like all the big time HR gys who would participate are usually on the all-star teams

[cordscords]

how is Howard in? He didn't make the all star team did he?

You don't have to be on the All Star Team to participate in the Derby

Used to be.

[arod77]

Yeah, that would be nice watching Griffey, Bonds, Prince, Howard, and Cabrera in the NL (older HR's Vs the up and coming)

VS.

Arod, Sheffield, ManRam, Papi, and Morneau,

[KrunK]

Just heard on Sportscenter that Griffey won't be in the Derby.