The Return of Big Papi

If the moronic trio of commentators consisting of Joe Morgan, Bobby Valentine, and the always annoying Chris Berman didn't scare you off, then you were in for quite a treat in the form of the 2010 Home Run Derby. Corey Hart stole the show in the first round with 13 dingers. Miguel Cabrerra (my pick to win the derby), Hanley Ramirez and Ortiz all advanced from the first round along with Hart. It was in the 2nd round where Big Papi got his pop back. 13 home runs is what it took to lift Papi into the final round and it also meant I had to listen to Berman's notorious trademark "back back back back......!" 13 times. Hanley joined him in the final round, where the player of the future took on one of the premiere sluggers of the last 10 years. Experience payed dividends in the end for Boston's slugger as he beat out Ramirez 11-5. As impressive as Papi's performance was tonight, what's even more important is the resurgence of the anchor of Boston's offense. After a forgettable 2009 season, it seemed like Ortiz was already on the ropes. And then there was the dreadful start to the 2010 campaign. Through April, he hit below .200 and only homered once. Most Boston fans had accepted the end of the Big Papi era. Then as mysteriously as his struggles began, came an offensive outburst from the hard hitting DH. In the 2 months since, he has hit 17 homers, and drove in 53 RBIs. For now it would appear that Papi's job security is safe, but if the Red Sox have any ambitions of keeping up with the Yankees, Ortiz will have to keep up his terrific production. My brother, who by pure coincidence is the only follower of this blog thinks they have the best squad int the AL when they are healthy, and I have to say if and when they field their intended lineup for 2010, few teams stand a chance at beating them. Perhaps we will see the Sox and my Braves in the world series (yeah forget the Phillies and Dodgers). My prediction is Atlanta's Martin Prado will win the All-Star MVP, just wtach.

-SB