HR Derby Review:

[clydepepper]

While I'm writing this as Pete Alonzo is trying to catch Jr. Vlad - so it technically isn't over...I was wondering:

How much of this is still the Babe's fault?

Personally, I've enjoyed it, but it's not the game I grew up so attached to.


Interestingly, a Platinum Glove winner became installed as the #1 seed.

That fact by itself, makes it a semi-croc IMO.

[Peter_Spaeth]

I think it's stupid, personally. Trout does well not to participate, he knows.

[Yastrzemski Sports]

I think the hr derby does a lot more harm than good. Every year, We see the contestants need time to get their swing back. I remember Aaron Judge’s rookie year. He could have had a run at 60 if it wasn’t for the horrible July and August 2017. By September he managed to find his swing again.

Personally, I would get rid of the AS game, end the season a week early and maybe wrap up the ws before Halloween. The season is too long already and weather becomes a factor when it goes on too long.

[frankbmd]

Now with 99 home runs in his rookie season, does Vlad Jr. merit consideration for early induction to the Hall of Fame, or does the fact that he didn't win with 91 last night detract from his credentials?

[packs]

If I were the Blue Jays front office I would have been cringing through the whole thing. Vlad must be exhausted today and who knows what that kind of strain might have done to him. I can absolutely see why Judge sits it out.

[chaddurbin]

i think it's great for the fans, seems to be the only thing that makes baseball "pop" anymore in the main culture.

guys swing for the fences nowadays, the good front offices are preaching launch angles from the low minors as an organizational approach. it's a myth the big hacks mess with their regular season swings.

[Jim65]

I feel about HR Derby the same way I feel about the AS game, its a stupid exhibition but if some fans watch it, then more power to 'em. Don't like it? Change the channel.