Home Run Derby

Sammy Sosa – 14 HR, 27.14 AB/HR, 102 G

The HR’s this guy is hitting in spring training are earning frequent flyer miles, and he looks as ripped as he was in his 1998 66 HR season where he battled McGwire to the final weekend. Sammy has a lot to prove coming back to the majors. With a contract filled with a lot of incentives based on AB’s, he plans on earning his money. Having already been added to the 40-man roster, he is well on his way to earning the primary DH spot, batting fifth in the lineup at Arlington.

Mike Piazza – 22 HR, 18.13 AB/HR, 126 G

The only question that one should have for Piazza is how long will his adjustment period to the AL take. He is a veteran hitter, and a workhorse on and off the field. Although he is getting up there in age, playing DH with a lineup that carries some decent power might give Piazza the edge he needs to return to his 30+ HR seasons. He also has “got more to play for,” with the recent birth of his first daughter with former Playboy Playmate, Alicia Rickter.

David Wright– 26 HR, 22.38 AB/HR, 154 G.

After blasting 16 HR’s in round one of the 2006 MLB HR Derby, David Wright has shown us what kind of power he possesses. He is he Mets new poster boy, and rumored to be a hit in the clubhouse as well, he hit .311 with 26 homers, and 116 RBI in 2006 and his numbers are only expected to get better. Everyone out there should have this guy as a potential final choice for Group E.

Grady Sizemore 28 HR, 23.39 AB/HR, 162 G.

One of MLB’s most talented rising stars. He is a gifted center fielder, with plenty of left handed power to hit the fences in Jacobs field, combined with some nice protection in the line-up. Last year, at the age of 24, he connected for 28 homers and 53 doubles while batting .290 and leading the AL in runs scored at 134. Can you imagine what this guy will be doing when he is in his prime the next few years?

Prince Fielder – 28 HR, 20.32 AB/HR, 157 G.

Part of an intriguing mix of young talent up in Milwaukee, Prince Fielder has had a lifetime a hitting lessons coming from “Big Daddy” Cecil. He has .300-30-100-100 potential hitting in the number 3 spot in the lineup. Now, if Brewer’s Management can get him on whatever diet Big Papi went on during the off-season, there is no telling how many he can belt out this year…

Chris Duncan – 22 HR, 12.72AB/HR, 90 G.

This guy is not one to be taken lightly. He did not get much playing time in 2006 due to his poor defense in the outfield, but when he did, he made it count. He had 280 AB with 22 HR’s (12.72 AB/HR WOW!) and is expected to be a regular starter in left field this season. Batting second with a veteran group of sluggers behind him, he has extensive potential. Taking off-season batting practice with Mark McGwire cannot hurt his hopes at hitting the long balls either.

Hank Blalock – 16 HR, 36.93 AB/HR, 152 G

Once thought to be the future of the Texas Rangers, the youngest player in the majors when he made his debut in 2002 has shown some serious slumping in his batting. Can his off-season shoulder surgery get him back to his All-Star credentials (2004 season 32/110/.276), or will he have another season batting .216 against lefties?

Jonny Gomes – 20HR, 19.25 AB/HR, 117 G

Funny Name? He’s not laughing. He opened the 2006 season with 11 HR’s in April, but shoulder troubles got the worst of his season, leading to season ending surgery in September. He seems to be coming back strong, losing some of his gut and gaining some upper body strength, and will likely anchor a strong young lineup at DH.

J.D. Drew – 20 HR, 24.70 AB/HR, 146G

Are we starting to see a shoulder injury, coming back healthy trend here??? A change into the lineup out in Boston, with a favorable porch for Left Handed batters and the protection of Manny and Papi in the lineup may be just what J.D. Drew needs for another big season. $9.4 Million in the bank doesn’t hurt either.

Garrett Atkins – 29 HR, 20.75 AB/HR, 157 G

A powerful player coming into his prime at age 27, batting in the bandbox that is Coors Field, many projections for 2007 have him as a .300/30/110 batter this year. His solid start this year in Spring Training may just show his monster season last year (.329/29/120) was no fluke. He has the potential of taking Todd Helton’s #3 spot in the lineup, protected by Matt Holliday and Helton behind him.

Barry Bonds – 26 HR, 14.12 AB/HR, 130 G

Excuse me Paula, but your arms seem excessively huge. This guy is on a mission to break Hank Aaron’s HR Record this year. With players like Howard, Pujols, and A-Rod also eying that mark in their futures, he doesn’t want to pass it, but demolish it. Are pitchers going to give him the chance, or will it be another Major-League record year for walks in 2007? He is absolutely crushing the ball this Spring, but is definitely and injury risk at 42 years old.

Jeff Francoeur – 29 HR, 22.45 AB/HR, 162G

Young and healthy, he played all 162 games last season in ATL, consistently improving throughout the season. With only 23 walks in 651 at bats in 2006, he must learn some patience to see the HR pitches. Improvements made in the off-season are shining through in Spring training, batting over .390 with 3 HR and 8 RBI.