2012 Home Run Derby Contestants: Players Who Will Shine Under the Lights
With the world watching you take virtual batting practice in an attempt to hit the ball over the fence, how many home runs could you hit?
This competition eats many alive, including some of the all-time greats. But there are some, a very low percentage, who are capable of dominating.
Here are three who will shine under the lights at the 2012 Home Run Derby.ย
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Robinson Cano could have hit 40 home runs at last year's Home Run Derby if he kept going. Instead, he only had to go to 32 in order to win the crown.
Expect another dominating performance from the sweet-swinging lefty.ย
Cano's consistent stroke gives him the edge over his opposition. It allows him to get into a groove early, find his pitch and hit it to where he wants on the field.ย
Cano has 20 home runs this year, and he could hit more if he really wanted to. But, for the betterment of the team, he doesn't want to bring his average down.ย
At events like the Home Run Derby, though, that's where we see his true power come out.ย
Carlos Gonzalezย
Sweet stroke.
Carlos Gonzalez doesn't have amazing, true power to his swing, but he has a consistent stroke that will play well in a Home Run Derby. Gonzalez has produced 26 or more home runs in two consecutive seasons, and he is well on his way to that number with his 17 in 2012.ย
Similar to Cano, Gonzalez's consistent stroke will give him a great opportunity to walk away with the crown.
If he can get into a groove, expect Gonzalez to shine under the bright lights.ย
Prince Fielder
Prince Fielder is capable of winning a Home Run Derby every time he's entered into the competition. He's a massive body with a sweet stroke and power to several parts of the field. He is also a former champion, which will bode well for his success.
Fielder hit 23 home runs in 2009 to win the Home Run Derby. His power numbers aren't where you would think they would be at this point of the season (13 home runs), but that doesn't mean he won't come through Monday night.
With a short porch to right field (330 feet) Fielder will have great success pulling the ball.
Prediction
Cano wins the Home Run Derby for the second year in a row.ย
