The 2013 Home Run Derby is here. Check out the live stream available as ESPN will be airing the action. Check out the list of participants who are getting ready to smack home runs with a chance to be crowned the 2013 Home Run king.
New York Power
Headlining the event will be New York Mets' David Wright and New York Yankees' Robinson Cano. Wright isn't the most prolific home run hitter in the competition, but he is hosting the event as the 2013 MLB All-Star Game will take place at Citi Field in Queens. Don't be fooled by Wright's 13 home runs, he had a lot of success in one and only home run derby appearance back in 2006. He made it to the final round, but lost to the powerful Ryan Howard by just one home run. Cano was the 2011 Home Run Derby winner. His father will be pitching to him once again and he will be looking to improve on his 2012 performance that saw the second baseman hit a total of ZERO home runs.
True Sluggers
Chris Davis is the leading home run leader in the 2013 MLB season. He has whacked 37 home runs and is going after the single-season record. Davis will probably say he's more concerned about getting the Baltimore Orioles into the playoffs, but he is threatening Roger Maris' record of 61 home runs in a single season. Yes, Barry Bonds hit 73, but that record has is next to an asterisk. Pedro Alvarez is second in the list of with 24 home runs this season. Like Davis, Alvarez is looking to get his Pittsburgh Pirates into the playoffs. Alvarez surged in 2013 after getting off to a slow start. He hit 10 home runs in June, matching his total in April and May.
Old & Young
Michael Cuddyer is 34 years old and is the oldest participant at the event today. Bryce Harper is 20 years old and is the youngest participant in the event. Cuddyer is having a career year with 16 home runs, attempting to match or surpass his high of 32 home runs. Harper is well on his way to match and surpass his rookie season's total of 22 home runs. Watch out for this guy as he has the knack of performing well under the brightest lights.
Cuban Missile and a Prince
Yoenis Cespedes takes his 15 home runs to his first Home Run Derby. Prince Fielder will try to win his third home run derby as he comes into the competition as the defending champion. Many believe that this will be his final home run derby if he wins it. A victory at this event will get Fielder his record-tying third Home Run Derby award, matching the great Ken Griffey Jr. as the only men to accomplish this feat.
