Last Game
It’s not exactly a game, but the Home Run Derby was last night. Prince Fielder was the winner for the second time in his career: he also won the Derby in 2009.
| Player | Team | Round 1 | Round 2 | Subtotal | Finals | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince Fielder | Tigers | 5 | 11 | 16 | 12 | 28 |
| José Bautista | Blue Jays | 11 | 2 | 13 (2) | 7 | 20 |
| Mark Trumbo | Angels | 7 | 6 | 13 (1) | — | 13 |
| Carlos Beltrán | Cardinals | 7 | 5 | 12 | — | 12 |
| Carlos González | Rockies | 4 | — | 4 | — | 4 |
| Andrew McCutchen | Pirates | 4 | — | 4 | — | 4 |
| Matt Kemp | Dodgers | 1 | — | 1 | — | 1 |
| Robinson Canó | Yankees | 0 | — | 0 | — | 0 |
Giancarlo Stanton had originally be named to the National League Home Run Derby team but was injured and so was replaced by the Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen. McCutchen isn’t exactly a home run hitter, but he didn’t do too badly representing the NLC. I mean, he didn’t get the worst score.
Next Game
The All Star Game is tonight in Kansas City. The Reds’ Joey Votto will be starting at first base and batting cleanup for the National League. First pitch is at 8 p.m. ET and you can watch it on FOX. Here are the line-ups:
National League
- 1. Gonzalez, Col
- 2. Cabrera, SF
- 3. Braun, Mil
- 4. Votto, Cin
- 5. Beltran, StL
- 6. Posey, SF
- 7. Sandoval, SF
- 8. Uggla, Atl
- 9. Furcal, StL
- SP. Cain, SF
American League
- 1. Jeter, NY
- 2. Cano, NY
- 3. Hamilton, Tex
- 4. Bautista, Tor
- 5. Fielder, Det
- 6. Beltre, Tex
- 7. Ortiz, Bos
- 8. Napoli, Tex
- 9. Granderson, NY
- SP. Verlander, Det
LaRussa’s Arrogance Is the Real All-Star
The latest All-Star snub Tony LaRussa has handed out is to R.A. Dickey. Dickey is a 37-year old knuckleballer who is having a phenomenal year with the New York Mets. He already has a 12-1 record, 3 complete games, and a 2.40 ERA. He is certainly the pitcher having the best year in the NL right now, and certainly the most interesting story.
But, as you know, LaRussa knows all and sees all, and has instead chosen the Giants’ Matt Cain to start for the National League. Cain’s having a good year and (unlike Dickey) he’ll be a familiar presence to the starting catcher from the Giants, Buster Posey.
To me, all that is well and good. Not what people were expecting, but at least there was rational basis for it (unlike when he snubbed Johnny Cueto). The thing that makes it a classless move is that TLR didn’t even bother to call Dickey to tell him first. Dickey heard about it when someone texted him the news.
I know you’re not supposed to talk ill of the retired, but baseball will be better off finally seeing the back of Tony LaRussa.
What to Say to Sound Smart at the Water Cooler
Prince Fielder is only the second player ever to win multiple Home Run Derby titles. The first was Ken Griffey Jr, who won 3.