There’s usually a direct correlation each year between the star power competing in the event and the level of fan interest. If you have first-rate sluggers, there’s going to be significant interest, whereas a crop of second-tier home run hitters will have fans thinking it’s going to be a yawn-fest before the first swing.
It’s essentially similar to the NBA’s dunk competition in that regard. Fans want to see top-notch bombers going up against each other in the most masculine of all All-Star competitions.
This season, Major League Baseball decided that two captains would be in charge of selecting their respective league’s team. David Ortiz and Prince Fielder earned the inaugural honors. Ortiz is the defending champion, while Fielder took home the trophy in 2009.
There will, of course, be an individual champion. But there will also be an incentive for the team that comes out on top, as Major League Baseball will donate to charities of that squads’ choice.
If the past is any indication, it’s difficult to predict who will come out on top at the Derby. But each captain has stacked their team with a formidable bunch. Here’s a look at the tale of the tape for Monday’s longball competition.
American League
David Ortiz (captain), designated hitter, Boston Red Sox
2011 home runs: 19
Career high: 54 (2006)
Career total: 368 (1,682 games)
Jose Bautista, outfielder/third baseman, Toronto Blue Jays
2011 home runs: 31
Career high: 54 (2010)
Career total: 144 (819 games)
Robinson Cano, second baseman, New York Yankees
2011 home runs: 15
Career high: 29 (2010)
Career total: 131 (980 games)
Adrian Gonzalez, first baseman, Boston Red Sox
2011 home runs: 17
Career high: 40 (2009)
Career total: 185 (946 games)
National League
Prince Fielder (captain), first baseman, Milwaukee Brewers
2011 home runs: 22
Career high: 50 (2007)
Career total: 214 (927 games)
Matt Holliday, left fielder, St. Louis Cardinals
2011 home runs: 14
Career high: 36 (2007)
Career total: 194 (1,078 games)
Matt Kemp, center fielder, Los Angeles Dodgers
2011 home runs: 22
Career high: 28 (2010)
Career total: 111 (717 games)
Rickie Weeks, second baseman, Milwaukee Brewers
2011 home runs: 17
Career high: 29 (2010)
Career total: 106 (732 games)
