So we just completed the new Home Run Derby and it was very entertaining. It was actually really interesting to see players hit homers against a clock. That drive to the end to get that one last swing before the time ran out was great. The bracket-style was a nice touch. Overall, this was fun. If the derbies are like this going forward, I can dig it.
However, this new format isn’t perfect. There are still some flaws to it.
One flaw that stood out to me the entire evening was the rule that even though it is a timed event, the pitcher cannot make the next pitch until the ball from the previous swing lands. That is a disadvantage on hitters who hit majestic moon shots. Also it adds way more pressure on the pitcher to pitch the ball immediately after the ball lands. Why did Todd Frazier win? His brother Charlie, who was his pitcher, was able to maximize the amount of pitches in the time allotment. It’s unfair but as part of the rules, the Fraziers executed it wonderfully.
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