Robinson Cano a victim of the Home Run Derby curse [Globe]

All four American League participants in the Home Run Derby, coincidentally, have seen a decline in power numbers in the second half. One of the curse sufferers is Derby winner Robinson Cano. But his decline hasn’t been as extreme as Sox sluggers David Ortiz and Adrian Gonzalez. Read all about it here, currently featured on Boston.com’s sports page.

Do you believe in the Home Run Derby curse?

Robinson Cano representing Yankees in Home Run Derby

The Yankees have Robinson Cano representing them at tonight’s Home Run Derby. The lefty has 15 jacks this season.

Personally, I have to put my money on Adrian Gonzalez. His smooth swing reminds me of Bobby Abreu’s, and he won it a few years ago.

Who do you like? Follow my tweets during the Derby tonight @lenNYsYankees.

Swish’s 4 dingers not enough for 2nd round

Nick Swisher put up a respectable four homers in the first round, but it wasn’t enough to advance to the second round. The most exciting thing he did was foul off a pitch to the backstop, causing Robinson Cano to burst out laughing.

Sluggers Miguel Cabrera (7), David Ortiz (8), Hanley Ramirez (9) and Corey Hart (13) made it to the second round.

I’ll update this post when someone finally wins this thing.

UPDATE: Papi won.

Watch Swish represent Yankees in Home Run Derby at 8 p.m.

A Yankee will participate in tonight’s Home Run Derby for the first time since the Giambino did it back in 2003. Of all the Yankees’ home run hitters, Nick Swisher would probably be the last one you’d pick to participate in a home run contest. But he was the man chosen (after Robinson Cano was dragged out of the competition).

Swish said there’s no added pressure competing in the Derby. I, on the other hand, predict he will whiff on the first pitch. But then proceed to win the thing while breaking Josh Hamilton’s record, of course.

Sarcasm aside, I just want him to put on a show for the viewers. The last few Derbys have really dragged on and it’s lacked an entertainer like Swish. He needs to come up big for the Yankees and for the MLB tonight.

Here’s the lineup:

1. Miguel Cabrera
2. Corey Hart
3. Matt Holliday
4. David Ortiz
5. Hanley Ramirez
6. Nick Swisher
7. Chris Young
8. Vernon Wells

So who are you picking to win? More importantly, who do you want to win?

Swisher to participate in Home Run Derby

Apparently, the Yankees have no concern for Nick Swisher’s swing, as it seems they are allowing him to compete in the Home Run Derby after literally dragging Robinson Cano out of it.

Cano had a back injury, supposedly.

Back to Swish. The man is an entertainer. He will put on a show for the crowd, no matter what. If he puts up the infamous donut, he’ll make it look good. Backward cap, switching sides midway through, you name it. He’ll tell you he was born to play Home Run Derby.

He is your incentive to watch the Home Run Derby.

Feinsand: '10 Home Run Derby will go on without a show from Robby Cano

Mark Feinsand of the Daily News is reporting Robinson Cano, who agreed to participate in this year’s Home Run Derby yesterday, has opted out of the Derby due to a minor back injury.

“The back probably has more to do with it than any of the other stuff,” one of Feinsand’s sources said.

Like Hardball Talk writer Craig Calcaterra thinks, I’m not buying this injury excuse for a second.

Cano is having an MVP type year. Even though I don’t think it would have harmed him, the decision to opt out makes sense. He probably had a lot of pressure from the front office on his back (no pun intended).

I don’t believe in the Home Run Derby Hex because I think pros are good enough to know how to put on a show and then revert back to the swing they use against 90 MPH heat. But that’s just me.

Robinson Cano chosen for Home Run Derby

Via ESPNEWS on Twiter, Robinson Cano was chosen for this year’s Home Run Derby. His competition? Miguel Cabrera, David Ortiz, Vernon Wells, Corey Hart and Matt Holliday.

Don’cha know!

With a sweet swing like his, he’s got my bet to win the thing.

Oh, and if I hear even one person say that the Derby ruined his swing, or is the cause of his downfall, I’m going to flip. You hear me? FLIP.

Here’s why I’d flip (well put by Chad Jennings):

For what it’s worth, I’ve heard other players talk about Cano hitting bombs in batting practice. Apparently he can put on a show when he wants to.

(Bold is my emphasis)

FLIP.