2014 MLB Home Run Derby: Date, Participants, Predictions, Schedule; Yasiel Puig, Yoenis Céspedes in Action
"Chicks dig the long ball" is one of the most famous phrases in Major League Baseball, and that will be the fascination Monday as the best power hitters in the game take center stage one night before the All-Star Game with the 2014 MLB Home Run Derby.
Every year, fans gather to watch the best power hitters in the game compete to be crowned baseball's best home run hitter. This year's squad is full of young talent. The American League has five players as does the National League.
Get ready for Chris Berman's famous "back-back-back" quote as Latin Post takes a closer look at Monday's derby:
Participants
The five AL players are:
José Bautista, Adam Jones, Brian Dozier, Yoenis Céspedes, and Josh Donaldson
The five NL players will are:
Troy Tulowitzki, Giancarlo Stanton, Yasiel Puig, Todd Frazier, and Justin Morneau
Preview
Unfortunately, fans will not get to see José Abreu in action. Abreu has been on a tear his rookie season and currently leads the majors in home runs. The 27-year-old said he wanted to take a break and feared that competing would negatively alter his swing.
Most eyes will be on Los Angeles Dodgers out-fielder Yasiel Puig, who has been one of the most exciting players since entering the league. Sometimes, he makes a head-scratching mistake, and other times, he makes an unbelievable play. Troy Tulowitzki, who has 21 home runs this season, is one of the favorites to win the tournament.
Last year, Cuban-born hitter Yoenis Céspedes won the derby by defeating Bryce Harper in the final round. Céspedes will be participating this year again and looks to defend his crown. There's no doubt who the fans will be pulling for. Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier will be performing in front of his hometown crowd. While home field advantage isn't usually considered in home run derbies, it is good to see the fans root for their own players.
Predictions
People have to remember that most home runs hit doesn't necessarily mean a win. Josh Hamilton hit 35 home runs in the 2008 contest and Justin Morneau only hit 22. Morneau would win because he hit more in the final round. You have to be consistent. Giancarlo Stanton wins the 2014 home runs derby.
When and How to Watch
This year's derby will be held at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Target Field is a hitter friendly ball park and home runs should be hit a high rate, giving the fans just what they want. The home derby is scheduled to start Monday night at 8 p.m. EST on ESPN. Fans can catch live streaming of the game via WatchESPN.
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