The 2008 Home Run Derby is just around the corner and we finally have our 8 confirmed participants.  After a couple weeks of rumors and speculation, the list has been narrowed down to an exciting group of this year’s biggest sluggers.

Chase Utley
Height: 6-1
Weight: 200
Age: 29
HR Total to date: 25
Position: Second Base
Bats: Left
Derby Experience: None
Outlook: The Phillies 2nd baseman is a line drive hitter who has show his HR power in streaks this year.  He’s had 5 streaks of 9 or more games with no homeruns and he’s currently in a downswing right now.  Does that mean he could get shut out or is he about to break out?

Dan Uggla
Height: 5-11
Weight: 200
Age: 28
HR Total to date: 23
Position: Second Base
Bats: Right
Derby Experience: None
Outlook: Uggla has been a surprise this year, as he’s actually gotten better with the absence of Miguel Cabrera.  He’s only played 3 games since injury his ankle and he hasn’t homered since June 20th, so we’ll see if he’s rusty.

Lance Berkman
Height: 6-1
Weight: 220
Age: 32
HR Total to date: 22
Position: First Base
Bats: Switch
Derby Experience: 8th in 2002(1 HR), 2nd in 2004(21 HR), 6th in 2006(3 HR)
Outlook: Berkman is by far the most experienced slugger in the group.  This will be his 4th Home Run Derby and that will prove to be invaluable Monday when it comes time to swing for the fences.

Grady Sizemore
Height: 6-2
Weight: 200
Age: 25
HR Total to date: 23
Position: Center Field
Bats: Left
Derby Experience: None
Outlook: Sizemore was sitting at just 1 HR after his first 20 games and no one thought that he’d wind up in the Derby.  He’s now hit 22 HR in his last 70 games and hopes to ride that hot streak to a Home Run Derby Title.

Josh Hamilton
Height: 6-4
Weight: 235
Age: 27
HR Total to date: 21
Position: Center Field
Bats: Left
Derby Experience: None
Outlook: Hamilton is trying to recover from an 18-game homer less streak.  He recently hit homeruns in back to back games and appears ready to make a serious run at the title.  The right center gap being 14 feet shorter than left center gives him a very good chance to do so.

Ryan Braun
Height: 6-1
Weight: 201
Age: 24
HR Total to date: 23
Position: Left Field
Bats: Right
Derby Experience: None
Outlook:  Braun burst onto the scene last year with 34 HR in a shortened season.  He’s trying to make a run at 50 HR this year and that’s exactly the type of power that could help him win this event.

Evan Longoria
Height: 6-2
Weight: 210
Age: 22
HR Total to date: 16
Position: Third Base
Bats: Right
Derby Experience: None
Outlook: Longoria is the youngest of the Home Run Derby participants.   We’re about to see if youth will be on his side or if the nerves of being in the spotlight at Yankee Stadium will prove to be too much to handle.

Justin Morneau
Height: 6-4
Weight: 230
Age: 27
HR Total to date: 14
Position: First Base
Bats: Left
Derby Experience: 5th in 2007(4 HR)
Outlook: Morneau is the only player other than Berkman to have Home Run Derby experience.  He also has the big body needed to withstand the beating that a contest like this puts on your body.


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