The San Francisco Bay may be rising this evening with the only vessels not in the water out behind McCovey Cove being The Nina

2007-07-09

The San Francisco Bay may be rising this evening with the only vessels not in the water out behind McCovey Cove being The Nina, The Pinta and The Santa Maria awaiting the launchings of defending champion Ryan Howard and Prince Fielder as left-handed batters. The Twins Justin Morneau also bats from the left side of the plate and will take dead aim on trying to keep up with the big boys.

Also in the field will be Albert Pujols, Alex Rios, Valdimir Guerrero, Magglio Ordonez, along with another National Leaguer likely to be added today with the injury to Miguel Cabrera. Here is a look at each player’s odds from Sportsbook.com to win.

Ryan Howard – Philadelphia - Odds 5-2 to win

After a very slow start to the season, Howard has been picking up the pace of late reaching 21 home runs. His long powerful swing seems perfectly suited for this event, especially if he can generate the lift. His conditioning has come into question this year, which could play a factor if he makes it to the finals. Being able to go back to back in the Home Run Derby and create a splash literally, might be enough to keep the big guy motivated.

Prince Fielder – Milwaukee – Odds 3-1 to win

Prince Fielder seems perfectly suited to take another step forward and make a big impression. Already leading the National League in dingers with 29, Fielder is arguably the MVP of the first half in the senior circuit. Though he has not produced in the clutch as often as necessary batting just .232 with runners in scoring position and only .154 in those situations with two outs, he has classic big man swing and is definitely a threat to win.

Albert Pujols – St. Louis - Odds 5-1 to win

Pujols was not going to participate in this year’s Derby until his son A.J. was saddened to learn he was not going to. After seeing the downtrodden look on his son’s face, Pujols relented and will try and break out of one of the worst power slumps of his career. The powerful hitter has now gone 22 games and 74 official at bats since last circling the bases jogging. He has not been receiving many quality pitches to hit and has lacked the usual power to all fields this season. Hard to believe he would do much here, but could surprise with no expectations.

Justin Morneau – Minnesota - Odds 4-1 to win

Quick, who is second in the American League in home runs? Too late, as just by asking the question in this spot the answer is obvious. Morneau is a big reason why Minnesota is still within shouting distance in the junior circuit for the wild card race. His consistent stroke and RBI production make him a dangerous out. He might be the biggest threat from the AL to win against the more notable National League sluggers.

Alex Rios – Toronto – Odds 10-1 to win

In his four year career, Rios has gone from a player with little power of one of best outfielders in the AL and has crushed 17 home runs in 2007. Still just 26-year’s old, he has increased his power numbers each season to where he even is getting an invite to participate in this HR Derby in San Francisco. Can not be thought to be a true contender, yet is nice to see a very good player receiving deserved recognition.

Valdimir Guerrero – L.A. Angels - Odds 10-1 to win

A Roberto Clemente comparison would not be a stretch for this hitting machine. Guerrero hits to all fields with power, is RBI machine with runners in scoring position and has plenty of big hits in the clutch. While shaky knees have robbed him of speed, still has outstanding throwing arm base runners must respect. His hard attacking swing could make him a surprise winner; with his personal batting practice coach Dino Ebel lobbing up effective tosses.

Magglio Ordonez – Detroit – Odds 10-1 to win

Ordonez is in the middle of baseball’s most potent line-up and he is making the most of it. If not for Alex Rodriguez monster first half, all the attention would be on the Tigers right-fielder. In the American League he has top batting average (.367), tops in doubles at 35 (on pace to set all-time record), first in on base percentage (.446) and third in slugging percentage at .406. A very good baseball player is having a great season; however his 13 home runs suggest he might easily be outclassed in this event.

With an unknown slugger still waiting in the wings, the field wager is coming in at 8-1.

An added attraction has been added with head to wagers for this always anticipated exhibition. Here is a look at a few of the more interesting head to head match-ups.

Home Run Derby - Most Total Home Runs

V. Guerrero (-105) vs. Albert Pujols (-125)

Prince Fielder (-130) vs. Justin Morneau (Even)

Ryan Howard (-130) vs. Prince Fielder (Even)

The action starts at 8 Eastern on ESPN, with plenty of long deep shots soaring into the San Francisco night.

StatFox Pick – Prince Fielder Long Shot – Vlade Guerrero

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