Home Run Derby

Nick Swisher apparently gained 20 pounds of upper-body muscle this offseason.  And unlike some former and current Bay Area players, he did it the old fashioned way – by doing farm work in the middle of nowhere, Ohio.

While many baseball players have gone new age with their training methods, Swisher opted for the oldest program he could find. He drove out to the Midwestern countryside and swung a sledgehammer until he could swing it no more.

He chopped trees. He leveled walls. He busted concrete. When there were no trees or walls or concrete left, he found a monster-truck tire, and he whaled away on that. And after he was finished, he had gained 20 pounds.

As you can see, Swisher also grew out his hair over the offseason – but before the season begins, he’ll cut it off and donate it to be made into wigs for cancer patients.  His grandmother died from cancer last summer. 

Great strength … long hair … haircut … why does that sound familiar?  And in more of an intriguing coincidence, you can spell “Delilah” out of the name of Swisher’s girlfriend.  DanieLle ELIzAbetH Gamba.  Slightly NSFW.

Back in December 2006, Ken Griffey Jr. broke his throwing hand.  Junior and the Reds organization were mum on the subject of how it happened – leading to lots of speculation that it was a contract-affecting event (like a motorcycle accident).  However, it’s recently come out how Junior broke his hand.  He was wrestling with his kids … 

Griffey was wrestling with his two sons, Trey and Tevin, and his daughter, Taryn, when 13-year old Trey knocked him off balance. Trying to avoid falling onto his kids, Griffey landed awkwardly on his left hand. 

“My oldest hit me thinking he was Lawrence Taylor. He got me on an angle and there I went,” Griffey said. “(Trey) is 110, 115 pounds and he doesn’t know how strong he is. He got me low and lifted.”  

Griffey says he’ll be ready to go for 2007, but just keep in mind Griffey’s myriad of 21^st Century Injuries when you’re making your Group D picks… 

2001 – Hamstring;  2002 – Torn Patellar Tendon, Quad, Hip Flexor;  2003 – Ankle, Shoulder;  2004 – Hamstring (missed 2^nd Half);  2005 – Sprained Foot;  2006 – Knee, Dislocated Toe

Meanwhile … at ESPN, Jeff Pearlman posts a nice piece on the man he calls the “best of his generation”  

As Bonds allegedly loaded up on the drugs and piled up the statistics, Griffey began to decline. One injury followed another — a sprain here, a break there — and his once-daunting speed vanished. What followed was a drop-off in Griffey’s outfield defense; it was still very good, just no longer Gary-Pettis-meets-God. The bat seemed to slow down a bit, too. What can you say? Getting old bites.   

With his decline, however, came something beautiful. Ken Griffey Jr. seemed to truly start appreciating the game. He took on a leadership role in the Cincinnati clubhouse … he cherished what he once was and appreciated what he had left. 

I hope Griffey hits #600 this season.  Because Junior just keeps getting up.  And to increase the value of his Rookie Cards I have stashed in the basement somewhere.

Just to keep you all informed in group A.

Per the advice of the Red Sox, David Ortiz changed his offseason workouts and reported to camp looking a little more threatening to AL pitchers …

Ortiz arrived in Fort Myers with less weight around the waist and more muscle in the chest and shoulder area.  

“It feels good, even a little more powerful,” Ortiz said of his swing.

Exclusive Spring Training photo of Big Papi. 

Pic from Boston Dirt Dogs.

There’s a forum now … so go at it.  You will need to register on the site before you can post anything in the forums.

It’s only a matter of time until the ultimate one-sided HomerDerby debate starts back up …

  I had a great April/May 2005.  I was the best Shortstop in Major League Baseball.  I was gonna be the NL Rookie of the Year.  

    You couldn’t carry my groceries.

JASON BAY 35 HR, 16.29 AB/HR, 159 G

BILL HALL 35 HR, 15.34 AB/HR, 148 G

Our first HomerDerby newcomer for 2007. Hall doubled his career HR high in 2006 and did not seem to be affected when slugger Carlos Lee was dealt to Texas. Signed a 4-year deal in the offseason and will move from 2^nd Base to Centerfield. Hall absolutely crushed the NL Central last year, as 25 of his 35 Home Runs were hit against division foes.  Pink Bat!

NICK SWISHER  35 HR, 15.89 AB/HR, 157 G

Last April, Swisher began his sophomore season smokin’ hot with 10 HR and an 8.00 AB/HR ratio. Cooled off a bit in May and then went AWOL in June and July (3 HR each). Heated up in September before he flamed out in the playoffs. Probably good for 35+ HR again, unless he gets distracted by his new girlfriend, former Raiderette and model Danielle Gamba.

RICHIE SEXSON 34 HR, 17.38 AB/HR, 158 G

People had concerns about Sexson’s power numbers when he moved to Seattle and the pitcher-friendly Safeco Field. Two years later with 39 HR in Safeco alone, Sexson is still a force to be reckoned with in HomerDerby.  Seems to hit better in odd numbered years, hitting 45/45/39 HR in 2001-2003-2005.  Could 2007 be another big season?  At 6′8″ he’s the tallest player in Home Run Derby – that’s a big strike zone..

JUSTIN MORNEAU 34 HR, 17.41 AB/HR, 157 G

Finally put it all together last season after a few years of excruciating inconsistency and was named AL MVP.  Became the first Twin to hit 30 HR since Kirby Puckett in 1986.  His slugging seemed to peak early last year, hitting 22 HR by the All-Star Break but almost completely vanished in September, hitting only two round-trippers down the stretch.  Ask Nick the Greek about that. 

MATT HOLLIDAY 34 HR, 17.71 AB/HR, 155 G

Another HomerDerby newcomer, Holliday smacked 34 Home Runs last season, 22 of which were at Coors Field. He doubled his career average of 17 HR in 2006 and looks to be ready to keep producing at the higher level. He’s an excellent contact hitter with good power, which could translate into being the new face of the Rockies now (replacing Todd Helton).

MARK TEIXEIRA 33 HR, 19.03 AB/HR, 162 G

A lot of players started out hot last year and cooled off after the All-Star Break – Teixeira went the other way. After hitting a frigid 9 HR before the midseason classic, Tex absolutely turned it on to the tune of 24 HR and an 11.46 AB/HR. Could easily turn it around and be back in Group A next season.  It’s a contract year too (arbitration eligile).  Might not finish the season with the Rangers.

VLADIMIR GUERRERO 33 HR, 18.39 AB/HR, 156 G

Consistency. Has hit 30 HR in eight of the last nine seasons. Played a full season despite knee soreness and did not require surgery in the offseason. The biggest issue facing Vlad in 2007 is the Angels failure to get any real threats (Carlos Lee, Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramirez were all targets) to protect his bat in the lineup.  Instead they got Shea Hillenbrand.

RAUL IBANEZ  33 HR, 18.97 AB/HR, 159 G

Where the heck did that come from? From 2001-2005 Ibanez averaged 18 HR and a 27.24 AB/HR ratio. Last season he hit a career high 33 HR with ratio of 18.97. Was 2006 a breakout season or a fluke? I can’t see Ibanez hitting 30 Home Runs this season. Odds are that Ibanez will be a 2007 HomerDerby orphan.

VERNON WELLS 32 HR, 19.09 AB/HR, 154 G

Was well on his way to a career year last season (21 first half HR) but slowed down after the break (11 HR). Inked a big 7-year deal in the offseason to stay with Toronto, where the Rogers Centre has been very HR-Friendly.  Will the money affect his drive? The third Blue Jay in HomerDerby’s top 30, which should imply he’ll have some good pitches to hit.

 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. 

RYAN HOWARD – 58 HR, 10.02 AB/HR, 159 G

Followed up a ROY Award in 2005 with an MVP in his first full season in the Big Leagues, playing on a team which contended for the NL WildCard into the final week of the season.  In the BandBox that is Citizens’ Bank Park, Howard has huge potential to hit 60 HR.  However, Howard’s stretch run was anything but great (HR Derby-wise) as he only hit 2 HR over the last 21 games as pitchers stopped giving him anything to hit – will the Bonds treatment continue in 07?   

DAVID ORTIZ – 54 HR, 10.33 AB/HR, 151 G

Big Papi has hit more HR over the last 3 seasons than anyone else, and is possibly the most clutch HR hitter in recent memory.  Has increased his HR output for seven straight years.  A power hitting lefty who’s perfectly suited to blast homers to the short right field porch in Fenway. 

ALBERT PUJOLS– 49 HR, 10.92 AB/HR, 143 G

Plays at a different level than almost everyone else in MLB.  Pujols helped christen the new Busch with a World Series title in 2006.  He thought he should have been the NL MVP (and he’s right), which could be a motivating factor in 2007.  He will enter spring training seemingly free of some minor injuries from the past few years.  He’ll also play 2007 as a US citizen after having aced the citizenship test earlier this month.  

 ALFONSO SORIANO – 46 HR, 14.07 AB/HR, 159 G

Has very quietly averaged 30 HR and 30 Steals during the 21^st Century.  Quieted a lot of skeptics in 2006 while hitting 24 HR in pitcher-friendly RFK Stadium.  Could hit 30 at Wrigley alone.  The only question is when (not if) he ends his season after colliding with Cliff Floyd in the Cubs’ outfield.  Reported early to Cubs’ camp. 

LANCE BERKMAN – 45 HR, 11.91AB/HR, 152 G

Stepped up HUGE for the Astros last season, with career-highs in HR and RBI after averaging 26 HR the previous three seasons.  Could easily match 2006 total with Carlos Lee protecting him in the lineup.   

JERMAINE DYE – 44 HR, 12.25 AB/HR, 146 G

The 2005 World Series MVP had a career year in 2006, and unless the White Sox extend his contract, Dye will be playing for the big money in 2007.  He would be wise to re-sign with the Sox, as he’s dialed up 75 HR with 205 RBI in two big seasons at US Cellular Field. 

TRAVIS HAFNER – 42 HR, 10.81 AB/HR, 129 G

Pronk hit 42 HR in 2006 while missing all of September with a broken hand.  The injury (which did not require surgery) should be healed in time for Spring Training.  Tied a MLB record with six Grand Slams in 2006.  A tremendous slugger, the only question is whether he can play a full season – he’s never had more than 500 AB.  If he can, he’s probably good for 45 HR. 

JIM THOME – 42 HR, 11.67 AB/HR, 143 G

Returns to his rightful spot in Group A as he put his injury-plagued 2005 behind him and won the 2006 AL Comeback player of the year.  Slowed down after a torrid start last season and missed a little time last year.  Expected to miss some games here and there as his 36-year-old back is always a concern (but whose isn’t?).  Has hit 40 HR five of the last six seasons – so plan accordingly.   

ANDRUW JONES – 41 HR, 13.78 AB/HR, 156 G

The 2005 HR champion, Jones is entering a contract year and has lost 20 pounds in an effort to relieve some pressure on his sore knees.  Perennial Gold Glove CF.  Has averaged 46 HR the last two seasons and should probably hit about that many this season.

CARLOS BELTRAN – 41 HR, 12.44 AB/HR, 140 G

Truly improved in his Sophomore season in the Big Apple, more than doubling his HR totals in fewer at-bats.  Set career-highs in HR and RBI.  Potentially an injury risk, so count on 35-40 HR. 

Who is the silhouette in the HomerDerby.com logo?

A “Super Prize” goes to the first person to post the right answer in the comments. That means you’ll have to register to be eligible to win the prize.

 And we have our winner … Bob McT correctly guessed Ryan Howard after Nick the Greek mentioned that the silhouette was batting left-handed. 

Bob wins a $5 Gift Certificate to Buffalo Wild Wings !