Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
As we get set for the Home Run Derby from Citi Field Monday night, fans everywhere are making their predictions (and perhaps even throwing down some money if that’s your thing) on who will win the annual event. Even though many are clamoring for changes to the event, it’s still the Home Run Derby, a historic skills competition that displays one of baseball’s wonders – the long ball.
Prince Fielder enters this year’s derby with a chance to join Ken Griffey Jr. as the only three-time winners of the event. Fielder won back in 2009 and of course last season in Kansas City.
This year his stiffest competition could come from the hometown favorite David Wright. Although, Fielder will have a slight advantage with the right field wall being five feet closer than the left field wall.
Regular season home run leader Chris Davis is the popular pick this year, but I think his lack of experience and the national stage will ultimately be too much for him to overcome. Fielder has been there and done that and it will just be another night at the office for him. He knows how to pace himself and how to do all the little things that can make a difference.
Even though I’m sure Fielder gets some satisfaction from winning the event, he says it’s all about his kids:
“I just want to win to have my boys stand up there with me. That’s the only reason I like winning, so that they can experience it.”
Prince Fielder is the safe pick to win the 2013 Home Run Derby.
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