TDA Bullpen - Our Writers' Blog

Tuesday, July 13, 2004

Which Is Better, The Derby, or The Game?

This was a theme that was explored either on Around the Horn or PTI, I think it was Around the Horn (no longer with Max Kellerman). The panelists for the most part were divided along age lines, the late-30ish guys voting for the Derby, and the crusty 60-something guy going for the game.

At first I went with the old guy. The Derby is fun, but ultimately a gimmick. Plus, it doesn't last that long, or at least when you first think of it the Home Run Derby shouldn't seem to have to take that long to play out. Of course, when all was said and done last night, the event lasted nearly three hours.

And a very entertaining three hours it was, full of titanic blasts and some competitive surprises as well. Favorite Sammy Sosa got bounced in the first round, and hometown hero Lance Berkman switched around and took his cuts from the right side, nominally his weaker side, to take advantage of the Crawford boxes. This strategy propelled Berkman to an appearance in the finals of the Derby.

Then there was Miguel Tejada. In these days of the Cult of OPS, Tejada can sometimes be underestimated. I know I wasn't sold on him as a top-of-the-line free agent during the past offseason, but he's doing what the O's thought he would do, knocking in a ton or runs. Fitting that he would slip under the radar to take the crown, and set the single-round record.

The game has a lot to live up to, and I'm not sure it will. Even though we're at This Time It Counts II, the players and managers treat it as an exhibition, low-intensity and as many get in the game as feasible. Maybe the Home Run Derby should decide home field advantage for the World Series.

posted by Tom Renbarger 5:15 PM