Maybe it;s me, and it probably is; but I found the ESPN production to be a joke. First, Chris Burman comes on and introduces this Batting Practice Spectacle as if it were the second coming, and then presents us with a goofy band with a goofy song that underwhelmed the audience. This is supposed to be a HR Derby, not another episode of American Idol or Country Music Channel. This followed by sideline interviews that added to the tedium of the moment. But, the worst was to follow.

After trying to make the activity sound SOOOOO important, he insulted the Derby and the players by having continuous panel interviews and discussing totally unrelated topics WHILE players were swinging for the fences. We need a panel of analysts to comment on long batting practice hits? Totally distracted from the contest.

I think what they were doing was realizing that they had a half hour of real entertainment, but they could make money by stretching it out because we dumb fans will watch anything. Not me. I will read about it later tonight.