Gonzalez Shined, But Cano Dazzled

Every year I watch the Home Run Derby and have the same complaints: it is way too long and the finals are usually low-scoring and uninteresting. Although the 1st part was true again this year, the finals were anything but low-scoring and uninteresting. After a low 1st round for all 8 participants, Robinson Cano lit up Chase field with a 2nd round 12, and not to be out done, Adrian Gonzalez put on a show as well, hitting 11 to advance on to the final round. The final became AL vs. AL, AL East vs. AL East, and of course, Yankees vs. Red Sox, but what made this night special, is the full support both players had for each other and their AL team. After putting up a finals-record tying 11 home runs, Gonzo watched Cano put on an absolute show, breaking the record and crushing 12 home runs to clinch the title with several outs to go. Gonzo was right there to congratulate Cano saying, “He could have probably hit another 10.”

The victory was made even sweeter by the fact that Cano’s father was pitching to him. His father’s straight face turned into a big smile after Cano hit his 12th home run and their embrace was fun to watch. For this night, Red Sox vs. Yankees was less important as the family, feel-good storyline. This AL team looked like they were having fun from start to finish and watching Gonzo cheer on Cano was something you will only see during All-Star festivities and the only saving grace for this entire 2-day spectacle. Tuesday night is the mid-summer classic, but we have already witnessed the highlight of this week thanks to 2 talented and powerful hitters.

Overall, David Ortiz did a pretty damn good job selecting his HR Derby squad. The AL won the league championship by a HR total of 76-19. They absolutely embarrassed the NL squad, hitting bomb after bomb into the right-field stands (and pool). Ortiz and Gonzo represented their fan base well, but hats off to the star of last night’s show, Robinson Cano.

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