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Its somewhat fitting that the first time Ive ever though about getting rid of the Home Run Derby, the MLB All-Star game happens to be held in San Francisco. If youve ever seen AT&T Park (Candlestick Park R.I.P) , youll know that one of the most beautiful things about it is McCovey Cove, a charming little piece of water that has eaten more than its share of the home-run balls that have made their way out of right field. After tonight many more balls will have landed in that patch of water and when the last one goes in thanks to Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols, its time to just sink the entire concept of the Home Run Derby along with it.
Dont get me wrong, the Home Run Derby has provided some great moments over the last few years, just look at Ryan Howard, who took the momentum of his win last year and turned it into a team-leading performance that was as awe-inspiring as it was intriguing. I mean hey, its got to take something big to get the Phillies moving, right?
But after close to a decade of hundreds of fly balls, foul balls and lame duck attempts at pitching from the guys on the mound, something needs to be done to cut back on what has become a bloated display. Back in the day it was a team performance where the N.L. would take on the A.L for batting supremacy. Now its eight guys, three rounds and some of the most boring displays of histrionics Ive ever seen. A dozen fly balls for the pay off of one home run which barely makes it over the wall is not going to cut it anymore.
Reduce the rounds, reduce the number of pitches, hell, cut back on the players. Give the lads more of an impetus to actually try and deliver on the goods as opposed to just showing off like the preening muscled peacocks that they are. Its like a bad auto show, where boys are trying to show off their toys, but in this case its just their massively developed pectorals.
Do I want to keep it around? Sure I do, as a Canadian, the opportunity to watch both Justin Morneau and Alex Rios is a big thing. The New Westminster native looks like a worthy shot to take the crow and represent for a home country that could use a little sporting boost. As for Alex Rios, if he can do the same thing for the Blue Jays that the aforementioned Ryan Howard did for his team last year, we may just see the Jays in the playoffs. Eight and a half games out of a wildcard spot isnt too large a hurdle after all.
But come next year, lets see the fat cut from the bone, itll make for a more entertaining event for all parties involved. If not, we may just have to send the Derby to the bottom of McCovey Cove for good.
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