Home Run Derby Predictions

How random are Home Run Derby predictions?? Well, random enough that I'm gonna toss some out there. Tonight's lineup is highlighted by the following 8 powerful studs:

Miguel Cabrera, 1B, Detroit Tigers (American)
Corey Hart, OF, Milwaukee Brewers (National)
Matt Holliday, OF, St. Louis Cardinals (National)
David Ortiz, DH/1B, Boston Red Sox (American)
Hanley Ramirez, SS, Florida Marlins (National)
Nick Swisher, OF, New York Yankees (American)
Vernon Wells, OF, Toronto Blue Jays (American)
Chris Young, OF, Arizona Diamondbacks (National)

Sadly no contestants hail from the host stadium, which is a bummer because it usually can fire up the crowd even more than seeing the other guys hit 80+ home runs. By the way, props to Major League Baseball for forgoing dozens and dozens of baseballs that become awesome souvenirs. Torii Hunter, from the Angels, was the ideal candidate until he turned down the MLB offer to compete. Hunter cited the 2002 Derby when explaining his absence from this years' contest, saying that year the Derby affected him with "uppercut fever" and his swing was never the same in the second half of the season. Hunter also explained he's been feeling some soreness in his shoulder and back, and that entering the Derby would probably make matters worse.

Neither of the 8 competitors from the past two Home Run Derby's is competing this year, so possibly this thought of the Derby affecting the swing is common among today's stars.

Miguel Cabrera is probably the entrant with the most pop in his bat, evidence by his 22 home runs, the most of any Derby Competitor. Hanley Ramirez checks in with just 13 home runs this season, and is the guy who will probably struggle the most tonight. His approach at the plate is very "line drive" and "hit for average" focused that he seems to be the one who would have to make the most adjustments to his swing tonight.

David Ortiz, Corey Hart, Vernon Wells and Chris Young are all great bets to win tonight because they seem to be looking to hit one out every single at bat. If Big Papi has the energy to make it into the Finals, he'd be a great bet to win it all.

My prediction, in conclusion, is that Vernon Wells claims the title tonight. The exhaustion of the night will take Big Papi down and the Blue Jay, Wells, will win it all.