Big Papi David Ortiz Wins 2010 Home Run Derby

I watched a good amount of the Home Run Derby last evening, except for the finals. Grizzly Man was on On Demand, and none of my buddies had seen it yet.

Most impressive thing I saw during the Derby: Miguel Cabrera hitting 3 or 4 backside bombs. At one point, it actually looked like Cabrera was trying to go the other way just to please the fans. You have to love that in a contest where so many guys are just trying to make it an all-out pull fest.

I’ve always enjoyed All-Star workout day as a kid and into my adult years. I love seeing many of the All-Stars sit out on the lawn of the field in their own skin just watching their buddies slug it out.

I didn’t catch a glimpse of Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, or Scott Rolen or Arthur Rhoes; but they’re out there.

It was nice to see Jason Heyward more or less make his All-Star appearance. As I tweeted, he said in his short interview he’d be returning to the lineup Thursday and that the thumb is feeling well.

All in all, yesterday was a good appetizer for what should be a terrific All Star Game tonight. It’s the best All Star game in sports.

And of course, Papi looked resurgent. For a guy that everyone had left for dead he appears to still have some pretty good bat speed waiting for the second half of the season. If I had to guess I’d estimate that Ortiz will still be playing in Boston in 2 or 3 seasons from now. I’m telling you, if he stays in shape the guy is far from done.