2009 Home Run Derby Odds, Picks & Predictions: The mid-way point of the Major League Baseball season has arrived and with it comes the 2009 Home Run Derby contest, which will take place tonight in St. Louis, Missouri. The annual event is scheduled to get underway at 8:00pm ET; it will be broadcast live on ESPN. Curent home run leader, Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals, is currently listed as a +150 moneyline favorite in Sportsbook.com's 2009 Home Run Derby Odds, Picks & Predictions.
Tonight's contest will consist of three rounds; the top four will advance to the semis and the top two from the second round will go on to compete in the finals. The rounds are scored individually so there is no carry over from the previous sequence, thus it is possible for the player with the highest number of homers for the event to walk away empty handed.
Last year at Yankee Stadium, Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers blasted a total of 35 home runs (28 in the first round) in the competition, but he failed to win because he hit just three to Justin Morneau's five in the final round of action. Morneau won the event, despite hitting a total of 22 dingers.
The Derby had a similar situation occur in 2007 when Vladimir Guerrero won the event at AT&T Park in San Francisco with a total of 17 bombs. Alex Rios of the Blue Jays had 19 home runs, but managed just two in the final round.
This year's field features a number of first time contestants, including Adrian Gonzalez (Padres), Nelson Cruz (Rangers), Brandon Inge (Tigers), Carlos Pena (Rays), and Joe Mauer (Twins). Ryan Howard, who won the Derby in 2006 at Pittsburgh, will be competing in the exhibition for the third time, while Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder make their second appearances in it.
Albert Pujols, who leads the majors with 32 home runs, is favored to win the event as he will be hitting in his home park of Busch Stadium (16 home runs). Howard, who is getting +300 odds, is tied with Fielder and Nelson Cruz at 22 long balls. Adrian Gonzalez and Carlos Pena each have 24 home runs while Inge and Mauer have hit 21 and 15 respectively. Mauer started the season on the DL and has played in just 64 games thus far.
Active players who have won the Home Run Derby include Bobby Abreau (hit a record 41 homers in 2005 competition), Miguel Tejada (2004), Garret Anderson (2003), Jason Giambi (2002), Ken Griffey Jr (1999, 1998), and the aforementioned Guerrero and Morneau.
Sportsbook.com 2009 Home Run Derby Odds, Picks & Predictions:
Albert Pujols +150
Ryan Howard +300
Prince Fielder +400
Carlos Pena +600
Joe Mauer +800
Adrian Gonzalez +800
Nelson Cruz +1000
Brandon Inge +1500
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