Kansas City – 2012 All Star Game – HR Derby
The home run derby has gained popularity over the years, and you could argue it is more popular with many fans than the All-Star Game itself. People love to see home runs, and there is no better time to see the power hitters blast long balls than at the home run derby.
Giancarlo Stanton was originally the oddsmaker favorite, but he won’t be able to compete after suffering an injury this past week.
Let’s take a look at the latest list of contestants and their odds.
2012 Home Run Derby Contest Odds from Bovada
Jose Bautista (+350)
Prince Fielder (+400)
Robinson Cano (+450)
Carlos Beltran (+550)
Matt Kemp (+600)
Mark Trumbo (+600)
Carlos Gonzalez (+650)
Andrew McCutchen (+1,000)
The Favorites:
Bautista didn’t get out of the first round last year, but the fact that he once again leads the majors in home runs has him installed as the favorite again this year. Bautista started the season slowly, but he has been red hot of late. Prince Fielder is one of those guys who can drive the ball out of any ballpark. The Tigers might not be having a big season like many expected, but it hasn’t been Fielder’s fault. Robinson Cano made the team as an alternate last year, and now he is the team captain on the American League side.
The Contenders:v
Carlos Beltran has been tremendous this year for the Cardinals. He leads the National League with 65 RBI’s, and he has 20 home runs. Beltran has allowed the Cardinals offense to keep pace with last year in runs scored despite losing Albert Pujols. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
Matt Kemp would have likely been given a better chance if he wasn’t hobbled with an injury. Mark Trumbo is in the middle of a breakout season for the Angels.
Long Shots:
Some people may still think Carlos Gonzalez is just a product of Coors Field, but they are wrong. CarGo has a sweet swing that would work well in any park. Andrew McCutchen was the injury replacement for Stanton. McCutchen leads the NL in batting average, and he is having an MVP type of season. Both of these guys are better overall hitters than they are home run hitters, which is why they are long shots.
2012 Home Run Derby Winner Free Pick: Prince Fielder (+400)
Fielder has the type of swing that allows him to hit home runs consistently for several rounds. He doesn’t have to change his swing much like some of his competitors will need to. These competitions are tough to predict, but I like the value on Prince Fielder.
