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Random thoughts while wondering why people get worked up about ESPN’s Chris Berman working the all-star Home Run Derby (last time I checked, there was a mute button on the remote):
* Despite whatever outcry there might have been and might continue to be, at the 2013 Home Run Derby it would seem a certainty that Berman will be back, back, back.
A rose is a rose is a rose: Emily Maynard stars in ABC's "The Bachelorette." She has narrowed the field to two.
* For those of us who might have opted to avoid watching the Home Run Derby (anyone else think there should be a time limit on the whole thing?), something says watching “The Bachelorette” was not the best alternative — except for those of us trying to appease our significant others.
* For the record, Prince Fielder — son of former big-league slugger Cecil Fielder — won the Home Run Derby on Monday (July 9). It was the second time in four years that he has done so. He is the first player to win for the National League Milwaukee Brewers in 2009 at St. Louis) and for the American League Detroit Tigers (2012). Ken Griffey Jr. is the only other two-time winner (Junior won three with Seattle). Can’t wait to see whether there will be a third generation of Fielders and/or Griffeys someday in the major leagues.
* Defending champ Robinson Cano of the New York Yankees became something of a chump — and not merely because he was booed frequently Monday for not naming Royals slugger Billy Butler to the AL team. Team captain Cano went homerless against his father Jose, who also pitched to him in 2011. No word whether the Yanks will consider signing Cano’s dad to bolster their bullpen.
This is not Prince Fielder (in case you were wondering). It's Tanya Tate, who says she might be wrestling at Exxxotica 2012 July 13-15 in Rosemont, Ill.
* Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, who had been on the disabled list since May 30, returned to action in the Home Run Derby. He was captain of the NL squad. There is no “I” in team, but there appears to be “me” in Kemp. The Twitterverse featured a few snide remarks about Kemp, who amasssed one home run. Here’s one from @awfulannouncing: Matt Kemp with one home run, it’s like he hasn’t played since May 30th or something.
* Speaking of Twitter, the Chicago Cubs reportedly have agreed to a deal with their top draft pick, outfielder Albert Almora. His signing bonus is said to be $3.9 million. The Cubs have not announced anything. Noted Chicago Tribune baseball scribe Paul Sullivan tweeted: Generation Tweet: @albertalmora retweets tweet announcing his signing with #Cubs, confirming signing with Cubs. No word from Cubs. #SoCub For what it’s worth, Almora’s tweet apparently disappeared. Perhaps that’s “The Cubs Way.”
* One home-run contest that some baseball types might be interested in would be a little old-school pairing (remember 1998?): Mark McGwire vs. Sammy Sosa — on a week’s notice (not that either might take performance-enhancing products if given sufficient notice).
Some Home Run Derby video from way back in the day, when it was a television show featuring the sluggers in a series that ran from 1959-61:
And something from Monday:
We interrupt this sports/attractive women/etc. posting to bring you the news — in case you haven’t heard (and even if you don’t care) — that Chumbawamba has broken up. The music group probably was most notable for the following tune:
As a followup to Monday’s mention of Exxxotica 2012 to be held July 13-15 at the Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill., here is a little Tanya Tate promoting the adult-entertainment expo (info available here):
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