Home Run Derby Betting Odds: Lance Berkman The Favorite

Major League Baseball will hold their version of the slam dunk contest on Monday. Eight participants competing in a home run derby. This year, it will be held in the Bronx.

Yankee Stadium takes center stage this week for the All Star game festivities and first up is the home run contest on Monday. Lance Berkman of the Houston Astros is the gambling favorite to win the event.

Berkman had an MVP first half for the last place Astros. Sports books have him listed at +300 to win the derby. Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers, who is having perhaps the best comeback season of all time, is the second chopice at +350.

Justin Morneau, a former MVP of the league is the third choice at +450. Grady Sizemore and Chase Utley come in next, both at +500.

The rest of the participants are youngsters. Ryan Braun, who had a break out season last year for the Milwaukee Brewers, and Dan Uggla from the Florida Marlins are both +650 to win.

The long shot of the field is a rookie who did not even start the season in the Major Leagues. Evan Longoria was thought to be the future of the Tampa Rays, but the future has come faster than expected. Longoria has been tearing the cover of the ball, but he is still only +900 for the derby.

The event will be sponsored by State Farm and will be held live from Yankee Stadium at 8:00 P.M. on Monday evening.



2008-07-14