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Blue Jays Jose Bautista picks American League Home Run Derby team
Jun 29, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (79) waits for a pitch during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. The Chicago White Sox won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Who gets the final slot?
Of course, Major League Baseball has opted to string along the final contestants for each team. That leads to speculation as to who will be named on Thursday to those final slots.
The favorites for the American League are currently Jones’ Orioles teammate Nelson Cruz, who is tied for the Major League lead with 28 home runs. A year removed from being suspended for his role in the Biogenesis scandal, Cruz could be a polarizing pick by Bautista, even if his statistics show he has clearly earned it.
The man he’s tied with for that home run lead, Jose Abreu of the Chicago White Sox, would be a fantastic pick. However, Abreu has indicated that he really isn’t interested in competing in the Home Run Derby during his first full season, despite his 28 home runs and .627 slugging percentage.
An interesting choice would be Josh Donaldson or Brandon Moss of the Oakland Athletics, who both sit on 19 home runs at this writing. Both players have exhibited solid raw power this season and could help balance the squad.
So, who do you think gets the final nod?