home run derby rules

home run derby rules

It's Albert's house and Albert's show. Will it be Albert's Derby, too?

Heading into Monday night's State Farm Home Run Derby, even the seven other contestants in the field were willing to admit that Albert Pujols will be the man to watch and the man to beat when the lights come on and the fat pitches sail over the heart of the plate.

Pujols, the St. Louis Cardinals first baseman who leads the Major Leagues in home runs with 32, is serving as a sort of hometown hospitality host for the weekend full of festivities, and he was the center of the conversation once again at the midday news conference for the Derby.

"It's to enjoy, have fun," Pujols said when asked about the purpose of the Derby. "Yes, like you say, I've been the centerpiece [of the weekend], but I don't let that get in my head. I'm going to go out there and try to have fun in the Home Run Derby tonight and the game tomorrow, and hopefully we can put on a great show for the fans tonight and the viewers."