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I sort of hate the Home Run Derby. It's often kind of dumb with a dash of dull. It also sort of bugs that it's either a home run or an out. I always think "Hey, that's a base clearing double. That's a line drive!!" And a few years ago when Josh Hamilton put on a monster show, but Justin Morneau won based on the rules. Anyway, it especially bugged that Jose Bautista, he of more home runs than anyone else fame, wasn't asked to participate. I know he isn't as big a name as say Chris Young (who apparently plays for the Diamondbacks, according to my research, although the only one I noticed in our series was Justin Upton. I coveted Justin Upton. Anyway, Bautista still should have been asked and no, I'm not being naive. I know why he wasn't. But that doesn't mean the stench of bullshit isn't overwhelming.

But congratulations, David Ortiz. You've always seemed like a nice guy, full of laughter. Your book was interesting. Thanks for saying Bautista should be in the Derby. And for this from the New Yorker article on Manny Ramirez , when he was asked to describe Manny:

“As a crazy motherfucker.” Then he pointed at my notebook and said, “You can write it down just like that: ‘David Ortiz says Manny is a crazy motherfucker.’

Vernon Wells hit two jacks. He also swung at everything. Shame on you those who are surprised.

Sportsnet aired a special segment on the return of Awesome Vernon Wells. He talked about why he doesn't smash stuff when he's frustrated (probably answering those who say he doesn't care.) Vernon says "It's not the batting helmet's fault." Come one, Dubs, we know it was totally the helmet.