back, back, back …?

Even with a home-field advantage, the odds of Brian Dozier winning the MLB Home Run Derby would have to be pretty long. Of the eight players we know will be participating in the annual slugfest, former Southern Miss star Dozier has to be the biggest surprise. Yes, he’s got 16 home runs — but that ranks only 12th in the American League. Dozier is a 5-foot-11 second baseman who often bats leadoff for the Minnesota Twins. He has only hit 40 home runs in three big league seasons. Not exactly a basher. The bashers, for whatever reason, don’t seem to want to play anymore. Yes, Dozier’s selection does give Twins fans something to root for. And, yes, nine of his 16 homers this season have come at Target Field, so he knows what it takes to yank one out there. Heck, it could be great exposure for the unheralded Dozier, who has had an outstanding season (see previous posts). But one has to wonder if the derby, even in its reconfigured form, is losing its clout as an All-Star Game attraction.