Robinson Cano Comes Up Big in 2011 Home Run Derby

Heading into the annual MLB Home Run Derby, not many people would have picked Robinson Cano, the New York Yankee second baseman, to win it all in his first Derby appearance.  After the first round, Boston's Adrian Gonzalez held the lead with 9 home runs and looked like a dominant force, but Cano was still in contention with his 8 first round homers.  Cano's grand second round performance of 12 homers gave people hope that the 28-year old could pull it out as he had 20 homers through the first two rounds.  Gonzalez made the night interesting with 11 homers in each of the final two rounds.  Although Gonzalez looked to have the event wrapped up after entering his name into the MLB Home Run Derby record books, Cano was ready to respond yet again.  He had relied all night on his father and former Major Leaguer, Jose Cano, as his pitcher in the event and wouldn't change a thing.  Cano continued to crush the ball and hit the most home runs in the final round of a Home Run Derby with 12 homers on six outs.  With Robinson Cano's 32 homers leading all players on the night, American League players were able to outscore National League players 76-19.  After an outstanding first appearance by Cano in the Derby, it's going to be hard for another player to outdue this type of performance.