2011 MLB Home Run Derby: 14 Bold Predictions for the Derby's Big Sluggers

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Arguably the most entertaining event of the summer, Major League Baseball has the best All-Star weekend in professional sports.

And where does it all begin?

That's right, with the Homerun Derby.

For this season's derby, the contestants are Jose Bautista (Toronto), Robinson Cano (New York), Prince Fielder (Milwaukee), Adrian Gonzalez (Boston), David Ortiz (Boston), Matt Kemp (Los Angeles), Rickie Weeks (Milwaukee), and Matt Holiday (St. Louis).

And with that, here are 14 predictions for the 2011 Homerun Derby.

Next up, round one!

Jose Bautista Advances to the Second Round

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After winning the homerun title in 2010, Jose Bautista has kept the spirit alive in Toronto.

Well in his first homerun derby appearance, Baustista moves onward to the second round by jacking 12 into the seats.

Does he move past the semi-finals and into the finals.

Read on to find out! 

Robinson Cano Falls Just Short of Advancing

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With heavy bats such as Jose Bautista and some of the upcoming contenders, it's going to be a challenge for Robinson Cano to move on.

He puts up a solid showing with nine long balls, but comes up just short.

But, don't feel bad for him because he needs to save that energy for the All-Star game anyway.

Prince Fielder Eyes a Second Derby Title by Advancing

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Back in 2009 Prince Fielder won the homerun derby, but did not appear in the 2010 derby.

Therefore, expect him to be jacked up for this one (pun intended) since he missed out last season.

In round one he goes yard 14 times and finishes second. 

Adrian Gonzalez Fails To Advance

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He's practically in the same boat as Robinson Cano, where he's not known as one of the major power hitters.

He does however, have derby experience after appearing in 2009 (but only hit two homers).

But, if there's a dark-horse pick, Adrian Gonzalez would be it.

However, the seven bombs just aren't enough.

David Ortiz Keeps the Chance of Repeating Alive

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Not since Ken Griffey Jr. back in 1998-99 have we seen a player repeat as homerun derby champion.

And, that is the only time it has ever occurred.

But after slugging 17 in round one, David Ortiz goes into round two as the favorite.

Matt Kemp Gives Dodger Fans Something To Cheer About

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The fact that the Dodgers are struggling is one thing, but all the off-the-field issues have been more than detrimental to the team.

Luckily, Matt Kemp sneaks into the second round by ordering 10 jacks in round one.

Can he steal the title, and prevent David Ortiz or Prince Fielder from getting their second?

Keep sliding your curiosity along to find out.

Rickie Weeks Can't Keep Up with the Pace

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Prince Fielder was basically a given, but Rickie Weeks is performing at a high level this year.

And, with this being his first derby in which he competes against players like Ortiz, Fielder, and Bautista, they just prove to be to much.

He only gets six, but there's a promising future.

Matt Holiday Doesn't Have Enough To Advance

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Matt Holiday does have homerun derby experience.

But, it came back in 2007 when he played for the Colorado Rockies.

He totaled 13 and made it to the semi-finals, but fell one short of the finals to eventual champion Vladimir Guerrero.

This time around he only slams eight, which is a decent showing, it's just not enough.

So, that concludes the first round, now let's move on to round two.

Jose Bautista Just Misses the Cut

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Jose Bautista headed into the second round with 12 bombs, but only hit four in round two.

He finishes with a total of 16, which is very good for a first derby appearance.

If he returns in 2012, be very aware.

David Ortiz Separates Himself from the Pack

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After sending it deep 17 times in round one, David Ortiz adds 10 more in round two, giving him 27.

He wins both rounds, and is far past Ken Griffey Jr.'s pace of his '99 repeat performance.

That said, who will be his challenger?

The answers lie ahead.

Matt Kemp Has a Strong Showing

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Matt Kemp only goes yard five times in round two, which puts in one behind Jose Bautista with 15 total.

And just like Bautista, it was his first appearance as well, so this could be an omen for 2012.

Prince Fielder To Challenge David Ortiz in Final

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Prince Fielder fought off the pressure, and managed to blast six shots deep in round two.

He only goes into the finals with 20 total, but it's slightly ahead of his 2009 championship run where he only had 17 going in.

Obviously it's a clean slate in the finals, but Ortiz is chomping at the bit for a repeat.

2011 Home Run Derby Final: Prince Fielder vs. David Ortiz

Homerun Derby Resumes

Prince Fielder: 

2009 Champion, Third Appearance, Second Finals Appearance, 46 Derby Homeruns (including 2011)

David Ortiz:

2010 Champion, Fifth Appearance, Second Finals Appearance, 95 Derby Homeruns (including 2011)

And the winner is...

Prince Fielder

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Prince Fielder goes up first and he lets seven fly into the bleachers.

David Ortiz succumbs to the pressure and only bashes five long balls.

Ken Griffey Jr. remains the only repeat champion, and Prince Fielder gets his second derby title in three years.

Here are the final standings:

1. Prince Fielder (27 Total, 7 in Finals)

2. David Ortiz (32 Total, 5 in Finals)

3. Jose Bautista (16 Total, 12 Round 1, 4 Round 2)

4. Matt Kemp (15 Total, 10 Round 1, 5 Round 2) 

5. Robinson Cano (9)

6. Matt Holiday (8)

7. Adrian Gonzalez (7)

8. Rickie Weeks (6)