Once again I tried the audioblogging – this time the sound quality was poor so I didn’t post. In any case, we had a great time at the home run derby last night. Balls were traveling to parts of the ballpark that I had never seen before – in batting practice or a game. Which of course leads me to believe that the balls had a little something extra in them. Whether or not they did, it was a great night.

• Watching Bobby Abreu and David Ortiz launch an all out assault on the right field seats made me think about how much the Tigers lineup could be helped with a power hitting left handed bat. Carlos Pena was supposed to be that guy, but that hasn’t happened yet. Also, a non-slumping Dmitri Young or a healthy Carlos Guillen could help there as well.
• It was great to see Pudge represent as well as he did. It was awesome to be in the crowd cheering for a home town guy. Once again, it made me long for a day when the Tigers are playing significant games late in the season with a full house. The place was electric when Pudge was up. And that shot to the Al Kaline statue was just incredible.
• The giveaway for the Future’s game was a ticket holder, which was perfect. We were hoping for a similar freebie at the Home Run Derby. However, Century 21 handed out these goofy roll-up Century 21 banners instead. Ours promptly went in the garbage. Unfortunately, the kids sitting in front of us loved theirs. They loved them so much they’d hold them up pretty much the entire time completely blocking our view of everything. I can see how they’d be fun to play with if you’re a kid, so I’m not that upset with the youngster. I’m more disappointed in the giveaway itself.
• David Ortiz needed to either 1. Bring a different pitcher, or 2. Not take so many pitches. His at-bats were excruciatingly long.
• We stopped by the Baseball Tonight set where they were broadcasting Sportscenter. I’m a Peter Gammons fan, so it was cool to see him up close. Dan Patrick had a ton of make-up on and John Kruk is a large man.
• It was great being downtown last night. The city is looking good and seems to be doing okay. However, there are still the little things that are just unexplainable. For example, as people were leaving last night, the sprinklers in Grand Circus park were all on. Not a big deal, but with everybody walking through it just didn’t make a lot of sense. And a Cobo Hall, the escalator to the People Mover wasn’t working. The city is getting better, and a ton has been done. But things like that just make me shake my head.
• James Denton, aka Mike Delfino from Desperate Housewives, was taking in Fanfest yesterday. No entourage, no throng of people. Just a guy in an Oakland A’s T-shirt and jeans enjoying baseball stuff.
• I stepped in the fastest video batting cage (i believe it was 70mph) against Jeremy Bonderman. I had contact on all 5 pitches – four of them actually going forward, none of them hit hard. And really, if you haven’t made it down to Fanfest yet, find a way to get there if you can today. It’s a really great experience.

As much fun as I had last night, I don’t see myself clamoring to go to another home run derby. It was something that was great to experience – once. The night did end up getting pretty long and tedious at some points. The breaks between actualy happenings on the field were very long – especially towards the end.

If you’re heading down to the game tonight, I’m in row 18 in section 324. Stop by and say hi. Before the game, I’ll be going to Mario’s for the CATCH fundraiser. It’s $25 for a BBQ buffet, parking, and a shuttle to and from the game.