The Home Run Derby has a new format and an interesting team this year. The NL Squad looks poised to win the HR Derby this year. Let's take a look at both sides.
First Round
AL Squad Jose Bautista- Bautista is probably the strongest guy on the AL Squad. He didn't have much luck in 2011, but made it to the final round in 2012. This year, he is the captain and I think he will be out to win it this year. 14 HR Josh Donaldson- Donaldson has the most homers of anyone on the AL team. But he isn't even averaging 400 ft in distance. That is a problem in the black pit that is Target Field. He won't make it out of the first. 5 HR Adam Jones- Jones is a consistent player. He isn't legendary, but he isn't awful. He is just good. He has good power and can unleash a bomb every now and again. 9 HR Yoenis Cespedes- Cespedes won the thing last year. This kid has some power that will carry him through the competition. He has the motivation to 3-peat, too. 11 HR Brian Dozier- Dozier was a surprise pick, and a hometown pick at that. But he is small. He is a leadoff hitter. And he is only having a lucky year. He won't make it out of the first. 2 HR | NL Squad Troy Tulowitzki- Tulo is a special player. He has a great swing that lets him hit for power and average. That will help in this Derby. 12 HR Giancarlo Stanton- Stanton is the strongest guy in baseball. When he hits the ball, you wonder if it comes down in the ballpark. When he is getting thrown meatballs, you have to wonder if this will be legendary. 17 HR Yasiel Puig- Puig looks like a dark horse candidate to win. He has huge power, but it hasn't played well this year. Still, he can mash with the best of them. 13 HR Todd Frazier- Frazier is having his best year yet. He will definitely stay in this thing. I don't think his power will play as well as others in this, but he will make some noise. 7 HR Justin Morneau- Morneau has some experience playing in Minnesota. I think a hometown reunion could fuel him to win. His power, might not though. He is the player to watch in the first round, though. 4 HR |
Second Round
AL Squad Adam Jones- Jones, while making it to the second round, won't have much left. He won't stand a chance against Cespedes. 5 HR Yoenis Cespedes- Cespedes has been here before. He will won't more recognition and respect than what he already his, and that will push him to the final round. 10 HR | NL Squad Troy Tulowitzki- Tulo's crisp swing will get him here. I think that he will keep a level head and just go with the flow. 9 HR Yasiel Puig- Puig is all about himself. He wants to be the number one guy. He wants to be the face of the team. His cockiness will prevent him from making it to the third round. 6 HR |
Third Round
AL Squad Yoenis Cespedes- Cespedes will be looking to repeat, but after going for 2 other rounds, will be tired. He will make it close, though. 7 HR Jose Bautista- After getting a bye round, Bautista will be rested. He will still be a bit tired from his extended first round, but will have enough gas left to propel him to the final round. 10 HR | NL Squad Troy Tulowitzki- Tulo will stay in it. He has been steady throughout the whole thing, and will be steady in this round, albeit a little gassed. 7 HR Giancarlo Stanton- The same thing will happen to him, that happened to Bautista. Rested, but slightly gassed after a long first round. Still, Stanton is the strongest player in the Derby, which will get him to the finals. 12 HR |
Final Round
AL Squad Jose Bautista- Bautista will falter a bit. He is tired and his swing isn't as effortless as Stanton's. He will make the round interesting, though. 5 HR | NL Squad Giancarlo Stanton- Stanton will be mashing as usual. Tired from his other rounds, the numbers won't be as high, but his power will help him win. 6 HR |