The most anticipated activity of the MLB All-Star week other than the game itself has to be the Home Run Derby . This years competition will not include Giants outfielder Barry Bonds , much to the chagrin of MLB and its fans, but the competition has enough big bats to send plenty of balls out of AT&T Park and into San Francisco Bay.
While Bonds is only five dingers shy (751) of breaking Henry Aarons all-time mark of 755 home runs, and a non participant in this years derby, would not have been the favorite to win regardless. That honor goes to Philadelphia Phillies home run king, Ryan Howard , installed by oddsmakers at online sportsbook Bodog.com as a 2/1 favorite to win the derby closely followed by Milwaukee Brewers power hitter Prince Fielder at 3/1.
(Photo Caption: Ryan Howard holding up 2006 Home Run Derby Trophy after winning with 23.)
On Sunday, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols agreed to participate in the derby and was quickly installed with a 7/2 odds chance of winning in spite of a career-long power slump. However, known as the best eye in baseball, Pujols is always a threat.
Alex Rios of the Toronto Blue Jays was also added to the home run derby roster on Sunday but is a long-shot to win with 12/1 odds.
Coming into the derby, there was no doubt Howard would be the favorite. The reigning NL MVP led the Majors in 2006 with 58 home runs and became the player to reach the 100 home run plateau in MLB history. Howard won the 2006 home run derby with 23.
Odds to win the 2007 All-Star Week Home Run Derby
Ryan Howard 2/1
Prince Fielder 3/1
Albert Pujols 7/2
Vladimir Guerrero 6/1
Justin Morneau 6/1
Magglio Ordonez 10/1
Alex Rios 12/1
Field 10/1
