Home Run Derby

 ADAM DUNN – 40 HR, 14.03 AB/HR, 160 G

What does Big Donkey have to do to get respect in HRD?  He’s the only player to hit 40 HR in each of the last three seasons, he’s only missed 5 games over that span, and almost 30% of his hits leave the yard.  And he couldn’t crack Group A.  Mr. All-or-Nothing’s 33% Strikeout to At-Bat ratio tells you that he will do everything he can to make sure you win Home Run Derby.  His career AB/HR ratio of 14.30 ranks 11th all-time in MLB. 

 FRANK THOMAS – 39 HR, 11.95 AB/HR, 137 G

The Big Hurt was definitely back in 2006.  He looked like the player he was in 2000 and 2003 when he crushed 43 and 42 HR.  And that’s what should worry you and my beliked Blue Jays in 2007.  Because in 2001 and 2004, Thomas could only muster 22 HR and 94 games combined.  Big Injury risk.  Other than that, he’s in a nice spot sandwiched between Vernon Wells and Troy Glaus in the heart of the Jays’ order. 

 CARLOS DELGADO – 38 HR, 13.79 AB/HR, 144 G

Unlike Beltran, this Carlos had no trouble adjusting to the pressure of playing baseball in the Big Apple and was a formidable presence in the Mets’ order.  New York’s 2006 postseason failure will add additional pressure for Delgado to keep producing.  Had offseason arm suregry (tendon) but should be ready for spring training.

  TROY GLAUS – 38 HR, 14.21 AB/HR, 153 G

Simply put– when Glaus is healthy, he produces.  The last two years Glaus has hit 37 and 38 HR playing for two different ballclubs.  His chronically bad knees seem to no longer be a concern and he should see plenty of good pitches batting behind Vernon Wells and Frank Thomas.   

 ARAMIS RAMIREZ – 38 HR, 15.63 AB/HR, 157 G

Set career highs in HR and RBI last season, but the absence of Derrek Lee really hurt A-Ram in late spring/early summer and he really didn’t come on until after the Cubs were buried and the pressure was off.  Signed a big $75 million deal – will he play hungry?  Developed good plate discipline last season, which could translate into 40 HR if given good pitches to hit. 

 CARLOS LEE – 37 HR, 16.87 AB/HR, 161 G

2006 was a tale of two teams for El Caballo, as he hit 28 HR in 102 games with Milwaukee but only 9 HR in 59 games with Texas.  Lee apparently doesn’t think the state of Texas was the problem, as he signed with Houston.  Considering that he will once again face NL Central pitching in a park with a short LF porch, I’d say they better reinforce the  Crawford Boxes.  

 JASON GIAMBI – 37 HR, 12.05 AB/HR, 139 G

The Giambino put up strong numbers in 2006, but disappeared in September after hurting his wrist.  For some reason, he just doesn’t bounce back as quickly from injuries anymore.  He’ll switch from 1B to DH this season to reduce his injury risk, where he’s less productive as a slugger.  Probably a candidate for the low 30’s.  

  MANNY RAMIREZ – 35 HR, 12.83 AB/HR, 130 G

Missed a month of playing time with an injury, but will be back batting cleanup for the Sawx this season, no matter how many trade rumors you heard about in the offseason.  Considered by many (quite possibly the Red Sox front office) to have a poor work ethic.  Manny will be Manny, and he’ll likely be hitting 40+ HR (and disappearing into the scoreboard) again in 2007.

 ALEX RODRIGUEZ – 35 HR, 16.34 AB/HR, 154 G

Poor A-Rod.  Wait … what?  Somehow the fact that Yankee fans hate a player that only had 35 HR and 121 RBI last season almost made me feel sympathy for this money-chasing stroke who can’t hit in October to save his life.  Either way, he’s probably due for a 40+ HR season.  

  PAUL KONERKO – 35 HR, 16.17 AB/HR, 152 G

He’s rarely hurt, he hits in a great lineup, in a HR-friendly park, and has averaged 38+ HR the past three seasons – but he’s maddeningly inconsistent – dropping off the Slugging Map for a month before ramping up and then disappearing again.  For Paulie to make the jump from good to great – he has to develop some serious consistency. 

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 20th, 2007 at 12:03 pm and is filed under GROUP B. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.