RANGERS: Hamilton Out Thursday

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton will miss Thursday’s series finale against the Red Sox to attend the birth of his third child, according to the Texas Rangers’ official site.

BOTTOM LINE: Hamilton should be put in reserve for today, but he will be fine to reactivate tomorrow. He has been a splendid surprise for owners this season, and he is one of the biggest feel-good stories in baseball.

TWINS: Morneau Wins Derby

Minnesota Twins first basemen Justin Morneau won Monday’s home run derby, but he was not even half of the story of the evening.

BOTTOM LINE: Josh Hamilton shattered Bobby Abreu’s record for home runs in a round by crushing 28 bombs in the first round. The longest traveled at 518 feet, which was close to the record. Hamilton has been quite a story, and may be the American League MVP if the season ended today.

Home Run Derby Preview

In some years, it has been easier than others to predict the winner of the Home Run Derby. This year, our contestants are Evan Longoria, Josh Hamilton, Justin Morneau, Grady Sizemore, Lance Berkman, Dan Uggla, Chase Utley and Ryan Braun. Five of the eight will be batting from the left side of the plate, and with the short porch in right field, the advantage is clear.

I think the four to advance to the second round will be Evan Longoria, Chase Utley, Josh Hamilton and Grady Sizemore. Then, I expect the finals to come down to two young studs, Chase Utley and Evan Longoria. One from the right side and one from the left. Utley will be the victor because of his short and compact swing, which I think fits perfectly for the event, and especially the location. Look for the players to put on one heck of a show in this year’s home run derby, which airs Monday at 8 p.m. Don’t miss it.

HOME RUN DERBY ODDS (Courtesy of TheSpread.com)

Josh Hamilton 25/1
Lance Berkman 35/1
Justin Morneau 40/1
Chase Utley 40/1
Grady Sizemore 50/1
Dan Uggla 55/1
Ryan Bruan 55/1
Evan Longoria 70/1

–MICHAEL GANCI

RANGERS: Hamilton Concerned About Knee

Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton’s injury is to the same knee that required arthroscopic surgery in 2006. The Rangers won’t decide on whether he needs a trip to the DL until after Hamilton’s examination on Wednesday.

BOTTOM LINE: Hamilton is on a torrid pace, so fantasy owners would be dissaponted to see him shelved for a couple weeks. More as we get it.