Open Thread: Home Run Derby
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 6:02 PM EDT
in Game Threads
205 comments
Welcome to the home run derby thread! We'll update as the derby goes along.
Winner: Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins
Justin Moreau Round 1: 8 HR (Advances to Round 2)
Josh Hamilton breaks Derby Record: 28 HR in round 1
Justin Morneau Round 2: 9 HR, 17 Total (Advances to FINALS)
Justin Morneau, Finals: 5 HR
Josh Hamilton, Finals: 3 HR
----------------------------
Dan Uggla, Florida Marlins
Bats: Right
Age: 28
Regular Season HR: 23
Slugging Percentage: .605
Isolated Power: .319
Round 1 HR: 6
Grady Sizemore, Cleveland Indians
Bats: Left
Age: 25
Regular Season HR: 23
Slugging Percentage: .539
Isolated Power: .266
Round 1 HR: 6
Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays
Bats: Right
Age: 22
Regular Season HR: 16
Slugging Percentage: .513
Isolated Power: .238
Round 1 HR: 3
Chase Utely, Philadelphia Phillies
Bats: Left
Age: 29
Regular Season HR: 25
Slugging Percentage: .582
Isolated Power: .291
Round 1 HR: 5
Lance Berkman, Houston Astros
Bats: Switch
Age: 32
Regular Season HR: 22
Slugging Percentage: .653
Isolated Power: .306
Round 1 HR: 8 Round 2 HR: 6
Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins
Bats: Left
Age: 27
Regular Season HR: 14
Slugging Percentage: 512
Isolated Power: .189
Round 1 HR: 8 Round 2 HR: 9 Finals: 5 HR
Ryan Bruan, Milwaukee Brewers
Bats: Right
Age: 24
Regular Season HR: 23
Slugging Percentage: .549
Isolated Power: .263
Round 1 HR: 7 Round 2 HR: 7
Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers
Bats: Left
Age: 27
Regular Season HR: 21
Slugging Percentage: .552
Isolated Power: .242
Round 1 HR: 28 Round 2 HR: 4 (stopped after 4 outs) Finals: 3 HR
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Stupid Question
Silly question, I know, but I can’t figure out which channel the Derby is on?
Twins Fix
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by Andersklasen on Jul 14, 2008 6:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Ha
ESPN, I got it….
Twins Fix
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by Andersklasen on Jul 14, 2008 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Derby Order:
1. Dan Uggla
2. Grady Sizemore
3. Evan Longoria
4. Chase Utley
5. Lance Berkman
6. Justin Morneau
7. Ryan Braun
8. Josh Hamilton
"Don't take anything for granted, because tomorrow is not promised to any of us."
by Twins Territory on Jul 14, 2008 6:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Morneau
has the fewest homers, lowest slugging and lowest isolated power out of anyone in the Derby. that would be great if he won.
http://noblingblings.blogspot.com/
by Aaron Fix on Jul 14, 2008 6:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
GO JUSTIN!
Twins Territory, Wear your Morneau/Twins Jerseys Proud, My Prediction is Justin Wins!
by Tony_O on Jul 14, 2008 6:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Is it
Is it too early to predict that Morneau only hits five home runs in the second half and lowers his batting average to .249?
Twins Fix
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by Andersklasen on Jul 14, 2008 7:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Are you crazed?
If he had an equal number of at bats after the All-star game, he would have to hit .175 the rest of the year to reach .249. His average-average post-all-star game is .267. Worst was .193. Best was .342 in 2006. Last year was .243. So, it’s hard to say. If he does as poorly this year as last, his end-of-year average (assuming the exact number of at bats as pre-All Star game for simplicity), would be .283. I think .249 is a stretch. I expect he will hit at around .300 after the all-star game, continue to lead the team in RBI and end with a .311 average. I base that on his demonstrated concentration on getting hits, rather than trying to pull balls out of the park. Unless you only like HRs, he has to be a favorite player.
by Brooklynegg on Jul 14, 2008 8:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was being sarcastic...
Twins Fix
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by Andersklasen on Jul 14, 2008 8:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You see that?
That look on Morneau’s face is the eye of the Tiger.
Twins Fix
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by Andersklasen on Jul 14, 2008 8:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
AL Lineup for tomorrow night's game:
Ichiro
Jeter
Hamilton
A-Rod
Ramirez
Bradley
Youkilis
Mauer
Pedroia
I didn’t think it was possible to screw up an All-Star batting order, but that’s a good way to do it. I’d go with: Mauer, Ichiro, Hamilton, A-Rod, Bradley, Ramirez, Youkilis, Pedtroia, Jeter.
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 8:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree
Francona did a downright awful job.
Twins Fix
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by Andersklasen on Jul 14, 2008 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mostly it's just because of Jeter...
...but Mauer’s OBP is one of the best on the entire team. Ichiro is a great contact hitter and quick, so he can avoid double plays. Bradley’s having a fantastic season and needs to be in the 3, 4 or 5-hole. Youkilis hitting seventh gives you a superior overall hitter before you get to Pedroia and Jeter.
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
By the way...
I think Carlos Gomez ought to lead off for the AL All-Stars.
by PhoenixV on Jul 14, 2008 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ouch.
There’s a dinger.
Twins Fix
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by Andersklasen on Jul 14, 2008 8:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Screwed, we are.
Twins Fix
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by Andersklasen on Jul 14, 2008 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
From ESPN.com: Past Derby Winners
2007 Vladimir Guerrero
2006 Ryan Howard
2005 Bobby Abreu
2004 Miguel Tejada
2003 Garret Anderson
2002 Jason Giambi
2001 Luis Gonzalez
2000 Sammy Sosa
1999 Ken Griffey Jr.
1998 Ken Griffey Jr.
1997 Tino Martinez
1996 Barry Bonds
1995 Frank Thomas
1994 Ken Griffey Jr.
1993 Juan Gonzalez
1992 Mark McGwire
1991 Cal Ripken Jr.
1990 Ryne Sandberg
1989 (tie) Eric Davis
Ruben Sierra
1988 Postponed
1987 Andre Dawson
1986 (tie) Wally Joyner
Darryl Strawberry
1985 Dave Parker
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 8:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Lol
I just have this gut feeling that Uggla will fall off the HR leaderboard in the second half.
Twins Fix
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by Andersklasen on Jul 14, 2008 8:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Here comes Sizemore...
...let’s see what you got, Cleveland!
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 8:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
We're only on the second hitter...
...and I’m already thinking “THIS TAKES TOO LONG”. Speed it up, WWLIS.
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 8:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The neighbor kid (6) wants me to throw some batting practice.
Gotta go for a few minutes. Hope I don’t miss too much.
by Brooklynegg on Jul 14, 2008 8:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I used to do that with my friends.
I’d watch the HR Derby for about four minutes, get bored, then go outside and play baseball. My imagination was always more thrilling than the real thing.
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Longoria doesn't look like
he’s posing much of a threat…
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 8:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Berkman's only got 2 though 8 outs!
And why is he hitting in front of Utley?
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 8:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I figured that out...
...the Live Cast on ESPN.com was lying, then changed its mind…
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 8:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Henry was already in pajamas.
Mom says he had a long hot day. What’s the score?
by Brooklynegg on Jul 14, 2008 8:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Utley
He’s got one more out to turn the Line Drive Derby into the Home Run Derby.
by PhoenixV on Jul 14, 2008 8:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Remember a couple
of years ago, when guys were hitting 10, 11, 12 home runs easy in the first round alone?
One things for sure, if we want to speed up the Home Run Derby, the lack of steroids has done it already. Not as many homers, quicker outs!
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 8:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Berkman's first one falls.....short?
Waa waa waaa waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 8:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
One homer...
...six outs.
This is a slow night! I was projecting Berkman to WIN the whole thing!
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 9:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
5 homers, 8 outs...
...needs one more for sure to get through, two more would do it!
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And there's #7!
Lance Berkman will advance for sure!
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 9:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Impressive
He reeled off some massive shots there. Good bet to take home the crown.
by PhoenixV on Jul 14, 2008 9:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As long as
Morneau doesn’t finish with the least homers, I’ll be happy. I’m predicting 7!
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 9:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
J-Mo's got two homer...
...but five outs. Step it up, eh?
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 9:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah Justin!!!!
Hot streak….six homers, still just seven outs….one more, Justin!
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 9:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Justin finishes round one with 8 bombs.
He’s through for sure!
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 9:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
And Justin
Is locked into the Second Round….
VAVRA cant pitch for Sh*t
by Tony_O on Jul 14, 2008 9:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
So Far
My Prediction of Morneau winning it all looks true.
by Tony_O on Jul 14, 2008 9:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Braun
With 7 HR’s
The Second Round so far is Berkman, Morneau, Braun and Sizemore/Uggla, that last spot depends on Josh Hamilton.
by Tony_O on Jul 14, 2008 9:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
What was Uggla's longest HR?
Because isn’t that the tie-breaker in these situations? Longest HR breaks? Sizemore’s longest was 448, but there’s no info on Uggla’s longest.
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hamilton is CRUSHING right now...
...4 gone already…and just 3 outs.
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 9:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
10 homers...
...just 6 outs…
He’s definitely making it to the finals. He’s padding his stats for the second round.
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
2 homers and 2 outs...which will he get first?
by 33MorneauMVP on Jul 14, 2008 9:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm going with 2 homers right now...
...you know he’s going for that record…
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 9:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok Josh
We know you can hit home runs, your already locked into the next round, Lets Continue the Derby for gods sake. LOL. Unreal 28 Home Runs. Wow
by Tony_O on Jul 14, 2008 9:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
ill tell ya though, the pitches Counsil Was throwing, couldnt have been faster than 20 MPH, No Way Hamilton repeats this in the finals.
by Tony_O on Jul 14, 2008 9:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I think Counsil should be lifted. His arm is probably dead.
J-Mo, Berkman, Braun, and of course Hamilton are in Semi’s.
by 33MorneauMVP on Jul 14, 2008 9:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
It’s between Morneau, Berkman and Braun for the finals. I don’t think Hamilton will be needing to hit here in the second.
Lets hope Justin can at least get into the finals, that’d be a great way to represent the Twins.
"Don't take anything for granted, because tomorrow is not promised to any of us."
by Twins Territory on Jul 14, 2008 9:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
With Morneau
as the only lefty between Berkman (batting right side) and Braun, I’d like to think he has the advantage thanks to the short right field porch.
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 9:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Vavra can't pitch!
Strikes, Joe! Strikes!!
by Brooklynegg on Jul 14, 2008 10:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hahaha....
he’s probably super nervous…
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Morneau with 9
Depending on Braun, Who doesnt have much in the tank, Morneau could be in the Final.
by Tony_O on Jul 14, 2008 10:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Vavra isn’t doing that bad. It’s obvious that Morneau wants them up in the zone.
"Don't take anything for granted, because tomorrow is not promised to any of us."
by Twins Territory on Jul 14, 2008 10:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Braun will need ten, hopefully Morneau will at least have a chance at the title.
"Don't take anything for granted, because tomorrow is not promised to any of us."
by Twins Territory on Jul 14, 2008 10:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Braun's off to a good start...
...up to 9 total homers, no outs.
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 10:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
There's an out.
Rack up those outs, Sconnie.
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice.
5-out streak! 10 homers so far, 6 outs.
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 10:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
now a 3-homer streak...
13 bombs, 6 outs…
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 10:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's it!
Braun comes up a couple short!
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 10:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Justins in the Finals
Do you even have to Bat Hamilton, Come on.
by Tony_O on Jul 14, 2008 10:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
4 homers, 2 outs for Hamilton
in stint #2
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 10:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm torn.
Justin or Josh? It’s tough for a Twins fan.
by Neil on Jul 14, 2008 10:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Oh, you know
The hometown boy vs. “The Story”.
by Neil on Jul 14, 2008 10:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My opinion
Justin should just break the all-time career home run record right here, right now. Why wait another 10 years? The Commissioner’s Office would be more than happy to accept the validity of the HRs if it wipes Bonds off the books.
by PhoenixV on Jul 14, 2008 10:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Hamilton might have more luck.
I think Selig has it out for the Twins.
Not that I hold a grudge.
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I did as well.
Twins Fix
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by Andersklasen on Jul 14, 2008 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It might be.
I just like to blame ESPN for everything I don’t like in sports.
Let me have my vendetta.
by Jesse on Jul 14, 2008 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry, but I just got back.
Has Hamilton gone already?
Twins Fix
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by Andersklasen on Jul 14, 2008 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hamilton's gotta be all homered out, right?
Twins Fix
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by Andersklasen on Jul 14, 2008 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
One would hope...
But it doesn’t matter. Even if Justin wins everybody will talk about Hamilton
by JopeX37 on Jul 14, 2008 10:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lol, I won't.
Twins Fix
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by Andersklasen on Jul 14, 2008 10:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sorry. Joe V. was horribly inconsistent.
He should have had Mauer throw for him. Catcher. Throws straight and true. No action on his throws. Former quarterback.
by Brooklynegg on Jul 14, 2008 10:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
One homer. Three outs.
Twins Fix
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by Andersklasen on Jul 14, 2008 10:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
In some ways
an injustice if Hamilton doesn’t win.
by Eric in Madison on Jul 14, 2008 10:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Congrats!
Twins Fix
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by Andersklasen on Jul 14, 2008 10:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
WOW! How did that happen!
Consistency, not flash, I guess.
by Brooklynegg on Jul 14, 2008 10:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Go to bed you crazy Brit!!!
What would my life be like without the '91 World Series?
by MJesser on Jul 14, 2008 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dubious honor
Justin just won the Josh Hamilton Show.
by Neil on Jul 14, 2008 10:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You mean...
Josh Hamilton had a memorable cameo in the Justin Morneau Show. ;)
by PhoenixV on Jul 14, 2008 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And ESPN
still has the “Oh My Josh” story still up.
Twins Fix
http://www.twinsfix.com
by Andersklasen on Jul 14, 2008 10:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Let's face it
Hamilton IS the legit story here. He hit more homers in the first round than Morneau did in the whole competition.
I’m happy for Morneau, but Hamilton was by far the most impressive guy tonight.
by Eric in Madison on Jul 14, 2008 10:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Morneau
Just won me twenty bucks.
I’m making a sign next time I go to a game.
by CARXRiedmann on Jul 14, 2008 10:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
OMG
The State Farm guy just called Justin “Jason.”
by Neil on Jul 14, 2008 10:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Haha
Nobody wanted Justin to win. He stole the show.
by CARXRiedmann on Jul 14, 2008 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Calling the BS
I didn’t watch, but Morneau’s win is legit in my book.
It’s cool that Hamilton jacked however many bombs in Round 1, but I really don’t care. Do you want a guy who hits 20 home runs in May and 5 the rest of the year or the guy who is consistently going to hit for homeruns throughout the year?
What would my life be like without the '91 World Series?
by MJesser on Jul 14, 2008 10:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You almost feel bad.
There’s nobody left in the stadium for the award ceremony, and those that are are booing Justin.
by Neil on Jul 14, 2008 10:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Justin was an absolute class act.
Way to go big guy.
by Neil on Jul 14, 2008 11:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I hate ESPN even more
Especially when the guy was making this thing about white people when talking about Morneau. Man, that just makes me mad.
by CARXRiedmann on Jul 14, 2008 11:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
That was Rick Reilly.
He should have stuck to SI’s back page. He’s been a blowhard when he gets to speak.
by Neil on Jul 14, 2008 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haha no wonder
I dislike Rick Reilly with a passion, was he also the one that said “it’s a bad night to be atheist.”? I mean seriously, people have their religious views, but there’s absolutely NO purpose for this here.
by CARXRiedmann on Jul 14, 2008 11:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"it’s a bad night to be atheist."?
If he said that… then that’s FUNNY.
by Neil on Jul 15, 2008 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rick Reilly
Is a complete ass clown.
by CARXRiedmann on Jul 15, 2008 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
He was an ass clown, and he was the whole night. But if Josh Hamilton wishes to make his religious views public, it’s in the boundaries to comment on.
I will say that I doubt ESPN puts Reilly on any live broadcasts in the near future.
by Neil on Jul 15, 2008 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you think
Cincinnati would have traded Hamilton for Garza straight up? Just askin’...
by JopeX37 on Jul 14, 2008 11:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Volquez>Garza
and it’s not even close.
by CARXRiedmann on Jul 14, 2008 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
at the Time i think so yes
Hamilton was still unproven and Volquez was unproven, Garza shown that he would be a good pitcher so i say yes.
by Tony_O on Jul 14, 2008 11:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
CONGRATULATIONS to Justin Morneau!
I’m an Angels fan that was rooting for Justin the whole time to win. He deserves it in spite of Hamilton’s showy performance.
by 44FAN on Jul 14, 2008 11:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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