John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
While just seven of the eight Home Run Derby participants have been named, the 2013 contest should be one of the best ones yet. With a mixture of players, budding stars and veterans, the derby has gained attention throughout the years, and the 2013 season will be no different.
Former derby champion Robinson Cano is the American League captain while the National League team is led by New York Mets third basemen, David Wright.
Each captain has their roles because the game is to be played in their home team’s city, New York. The Big Apple is set to see its fair share of fireworks on Monday night with home runs aplenty. I mentioned earlier how only seven participants have been named, and that is because Cano has yet to name his third teammate.
The National League team is set with Wright, NL home run leader Carlos Gonzalez, his sweet-swinging teammate Michael Cuddyer and Washington Nationals star Bryce Harper.
The American League squad has Cano, MLB home run leader Chris Davis and two-time and reigning champion Prince Fielder.
This could be one of the most star-studded derbys in a while, depending on who the last candidate for the American League is — hopefully superstar Miguel Cabrera — and it could be one of the most interesting battles in the history of the contest.
In my opinion, the American League is going to take the crown yet again with Davis and Fielder advancing past round one. Gonzalez and Harper will be my picks to advance for the National League side. The final will consist of Davis and Harper in a battle of the newly-appointed superstars.
I have to give this one to Davis, however, as he’s easily the best power hitter in baseball right now and Harper will tire himself out too early.
This will be one for the ages, folks.
Connor Muldowney is a columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
