While this year’s Home Run Derby comes with some rule changes, including a new timed format, as well as a bracket of eight contestants, it remains one of the top events in showcasing the fun and exciting sides of the sport of baseball. Last season, I was able to experience it first hand at Target Field, and while this year will not be quite as exciting, there is still plenty to look forward to.
With two Cubs, two rookies, a former winner, and last year’s runner up, there is plenty of excitement to anticipate for today’s event. Great American Ballpark is also one of baseball's best smaller parks, meaning home runs will be flying out of there. Here is the ZP: Left Fielder breakdown of how Monday’s action will play out.
First Round:
Albert Pujols vs. Kris Bryant
From the past generation of home run kings to the future, this is the matchup of the rookie against the wily veteran. Pujols has gotten his stride back, and is pacing the Junior Circuit in bombs, while Bryant has the pop to be a major power threat. While the youngster has an amazing swing, it might not translate into the derby, and Pujols has the leg up on experience, so in this case, Pujols is like a fine wine: he’s getting better with age.
Winner: Pujols
Joc Pederson vs. Manny Machado
Pederson has been this season’s top rookie, and has proven it with his glove, his contact, and his power. Meanwhile, Machado has bounced back quite nicely from injury and is turning in a monster season. In this case, Pederson’s swing is a thing of beauty that will be better served for the new format. Youth movement wins this time around.
Winner: Pederson
Josh Donaldson vs. Anthony Rizzo
Two of the game’s most compelling sluggers draw the matchup to watch in this year’s Derby. Donaldson found his home run swing a year ago, and has kept the Blue Jays on a tear with his bat. Anthony Rizzo is leading a very young Cubs team by simply raking. Rizzo’s looping swing will cause a mighty number to leave the yard, and his familiarity with the park may be to his advantage here.
Winner: Rizzo
Todd Frazier vs. Prince Fielder
The home-town hero against the two-time past winner leaves fans with plenty to cheer for. Fielder has been feeling it this year, bouncing back from injury and keeping the Rangers afloat. Meanwhile, Frazier has been the one bright spot in a Reds team limping into the home-hosted All-Star Break. Look for Frazier to ride the high of the home fans and take down the Prince.
Winner: Frazier
Second Round:
Pujols vs. Pederson
It seems like Pujols will be spending much of the night beating back rookies with a stick. Well, that’s exactly what he will be doing. While Pederson is an impressive young slugger, he is no match for the Machine.
Winner: Pujols
Rizzo vs. Frazier
Division rivals square off in what will be the future of two franchises hoping to bring glory to their midwestern homes. Again, Frazier’s hometown help won’t hurt, but it is his having been through this competition before that will best serve him as he sends Rizzo packing in the second round.
Winner: Frazier
Third Round:
Pujols vs. Frazier
Albert Pujols continues his season of bringing everyone back on his bandwagon by squaring off against Cincinnati’s future Mayor in the finals. While Frazier’s experience has gotten him here, he is facing someone also familiar with the finals, after Pujols went there in 2003 at U.S. Cellular Field. Pujols has the perfect footwork to put on a fireworks display and hoist the trophy at the end of the night.
Winner: Pujols
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