The HR derby participants have been selected.
1. Simon Burgos, STL
With a league leading 43 homers at the break, Burgos has emerged as a serious threat to Conan’s single season record of 70.
2. Michael Stewart, Denver
The first overall pick in the 2016 draft, Stewart was called up in mid season last year and now has 56 homeruns in his first 175 games.
3. Conn Barbarian, Florida
The son of the alltime single season and career HR leader, Conn has been on fire after a slow start. He currently has 30 homers, 22 of them since June first.
4. Josh O’Keefe, Las Vegas
The slick fielding shortstop has had a breakout year at the plate. After only hitting 7 last year, Josh has 28 at the break.
5. Fausto Thibodeaux, Charlotte
Fausto was not a highly regarded prospect who looked to be a career minor leaguer or utility player until he unlocked the formula for optimizing his launch angle. After the 2015 season Fausto was vacationing in the swamps of Dagobah when he heard the sound of solidly hit baseballs, one after another. He discovered the hitting school of Big Yoda, who hit 48 homers for the Giants back in the 80’s despite only standing 4 feet tall. Fausto hit .353 with 25 homers the following year in AAA, but still did not get a big league chance until the Hawks traded for him. He hit 23 homers last year and at the all star break has already surpassed that total.
6. Devan Arceneaux, Miami
Currently leading the league in hitting and with 20 homers, Devan hit 50 homers two years ago while winning a triple crown.
7. Derek Tufnel, Utah
The second generation Utes has been one of the game’s best hitters. With 19 at the break he is on pace to top his single season best of 27.
8. Michael Vaughn, Portland
A rookie and the 6th overall pick of the 2017 draft, Vaughn has amazed everyone with his powerful start. Vaughn has 15 homers in his first 35 big league games, and 40 between the majors and minors. Last season he hit 32 between three levels in the minors. He won’t turn 21 until after the season ends.
