Home Run derby new format sucks

CardsFan · July 10, 2005 12:19PM

The new nationality based home run derby sucks. How can you not have Pujols and Tejeda? Unless they said they didn't want to do it, which I have not read then this is just another bad idea.

iamthegreatcornholio · July 10, 2005 12:47PM

I don't get it. Isn't everyone in America an American? Isn't everyone competing in this a U.S. citizen?

BTW, Pujols and Tejada were born in the D.R. so I guess only 1 player from each country so Ortiz is the guy.

Selig is ruining the all-star game. First there was a "tie" a few years ago, then he sets a huge conflict of interest between having a good time (when it was an exhibition game) to NEEDING to win since it now is a huge factor in determining the winner of the world series. And now, becoming a home-run derby contestant is based more on place of birth then actual home-run potential.

Brian

Axtell · July 10, 2005 1:02PM

I was hoping to see Ichiro in it...he hits monster bombs during BP.

While it's different, is there any reason not to change it? How many stars have brushed it off in the past few years? I think change isn't always bad....and the new format will (I am sure) attract more watchers.

Gemmy10 · July 10, 2005 1:09PM

CardsFan · July 10, 2005 1:27PM

<< While it's different, is there any reason not to change it? >>

Because the defending champ isn't in it, either is the second place winner two years ago. That's reason enough not to change it.

Axtell · July 10, 2005 1:45PM

<< 

<< While it's different, is there any reason not to change it? >>

Because the defending champ isn't in it, either is the second place winner two years ago. That's reason enough not to change it. >>

Would you say that interest in the HR derby has waned recent...hell, interest in all all star activities is down.

CardsFan · July 10, 2005 1:57PM

I'm not really sure if they are down because I was never that into them anyway. I have watched the derby the last two years though and enjoyed it and even though I don't like the rule I have watched the game since it matters.

mercurynut · July 10, 2005 4:17PM

It totally sucks and I do not plan on watching it for the frst time.

megatron · July 10, 2005 8:51PM

<< I was hoping to see Ichiro in it...he hits monster bombs during BP.

While it's different, is there any reason not to change it? How many stars have brushed it off in the past few years? I think change isn't always bad....and the new format will (I am sure) attract more watchers. >>

I was hoping, too, but it appears Ichiro declined and later stated he would think about it. Guess he said "no". I wouldn't expect him to win, but he would be nice to see.

By the way, the new format does SUCK!!

Cubfan · July 10, 2005 11:50PM

It was either on Sportscenter or the Sunday night game where they noted that Tejada had deferred to Ortiz saying he was a true home run hitter.

I do agree though that the Home Run Derby is losing its luster. It used to be more fun to watch the Derby than it was to watch the game. Now that the game is serious, maybe they want the focus back on the game and not the prelims.

stown · July 11, 2005 8:18AM

ESPN is interviewing Reggie Jackson, who is brought to you by Master Card

iamthegreatcornholio · July 11, 2005 9:08AM

BTW, I was under the impression baseball is America's pastime so now only 1 American born player can compete?

I'll still watch it as I don't have much else to do. My pick is Carlos Lee

Axtell · July 11, 2005 9:48AM

<< BTW, I was under the impression baseball is America's pastime so now only 1 American born player can compete?

I'll still watch it as I don't have much else to do. My pick is Carlos Lee >>

But do just Americans play?

It's a worldwide sport now...I think just having one from each country is a nice change of pace.

iamthegreatcornholio · July 11, 2005 1:19PM

<< But do just Americans play?

It's a worldwide sport now...I think just having one from each country is a nice change of pace. >>

Wasn't everyone competing tonight a U.S. citizen?

Don't get me wrong, I'd like to see baseball spread all over the world, but this HR derby format is asinine. Despite the majority of players being born in the U.S., only 1 can participate in the derby? Moreover, not just the U.S., but other countries too - Pujols can't go?! He wanted to, and he's only 1 of the best guys in baseball, but since he was born in the same country as another participant, the "fans" wouldn't want to see that?! But let's give his spot to Jason Bay...

Brian

WinPitcher · July 11, 2005 1:50PM

Brian I am confused. you seem to think that all the players are US Citizens? Many are from countries outside the US and work here under a visa. am i reading you correctly?

sd

Axtell · July 11, 2005 1:59PM

<< But let's give his spot to Jason Bay...

Brian >>

If Bay had won tonight you dont think your stance would be different?

I dont know about you all, but I saw a ton of national pride of the different countries being represented....maybe it was just me.

Heaven forbid they try something new to rejuvenate what's been terribly diminishing ratings.

iamthegreatcornholio · July 11, 2005 2:04PM

<< Brian I am confused. you seem to think that all the players are US Citizens? Many are from countries outside the US and work here under a visa. am i reading you correctly?

sd >>

I don't know if they are - I wasn't being coy, and no one corrected me otherwise.

Axtell, so you don't want to see Pujols and Ortiz in the same HR derby? Ratings would just bottom out...

Brian

CardsFan · July 11, 2005 2:17PM

<< Heaven forbid they try something new to rejuvenate what's been terribly diminishing ratings. >>

What dimishing ratings. The all star game yes the home run derby no.

from 2004:
ESPN also benefited, posting a 31 percent ratings increase for Monday's Home Run Derby. The average audience of 5.04 million homes for the batting competition ranked as the cable giant's largest audience of the year.

full article

CardsFan · July 11, 2005 2:22PM

And next year they definitely need to include Miguel Cabrera. The guy obviously loves the derby!

Axtell · July 11, 2005 2:43PM

Cardsfan is (understably) upset Pujols wasn't included.

It was an exciting and fun show tonight...I'll be interested to see what the ratings were like.

Axtell · July 11, 2005 2:47PM

And it seems just like with the game itself, the home run derby was infused with new and different players.

And for those who didnt think the national plans meant anything:

"Representing his home country of Venezuela in baseball's new international format, Abreu stopped twice to tip his cap to the chanting crowd of 41,004 -- and once when Rodriguez, the lone All-Star for the host Tigers, brought him something to drink at home plate.

When Abreu broke Tejada's mark, Johan Santana and Miguel Cabrera were among the All-Stars who ran to the plate to drape the slugger in a large Venezuelan flag.

Santana said he placed a call back home to his father, who told him the country was "paralyzed."

Cubfan · July 11, 2005 10:59PM

Im probably just too old school, but I would rather watch a meaningful game of all-stars trying their hardest than a home-run exhibition.

The home run derby was an interesting novelty when it was brought back how ever many years ago, but I think its a little tired now. Similar to the NBA slam dunk contest.

But even back when they brought it back, I enjoyed the old timers game more. Back then they actually played hardball on the field with real old timers, not softball with old timers and quote, unquote "entertainment celebrities" (I watched about 5 minutes of it last night and turned it off after they had The Bad News Bears kids run on the field when Billy Bob Thornton batted..just marketing drivel..yeesh). They still had old timers who could jack it out of there and that was fun to see your old favorites.

Id rather have the focus on the game and not the preliminaries.

DirtyDog48 · July 12, 2005 12:26AM

Nothin' but Trash Sports is what it is........how about Canseco vs. McGwire in an Old-Timer's Tractor Pull?

Home Run derby new format sucks

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