Howard Powers Up Against Fellow First Basemen

Phils slugger to aim for Home Run Derby crown

With a few mighty swings, Phils slugger Ryan Howard could finally settle the argument (at least for one night) over who the best power-hitting first baseman in the National League could be settled over the All-Star break.

The four most prolific bomb-hitting first baseman in the league were all confirmed to take part in the 2009 All-Star Home Run Derby next Monday in St. Louis.

Howard, the 2006 Derby champ and a St. Louis native, will face off against hometown hero Albert Pujols, Milwaukee’s Prince Fielder and San Diego’s Adrian Gonzalez in the derby.

The derby promises to be impressive with Pujols bringing his Major-League-leading 31 dingers to the plate. And the other guys all landed in the top-seven in NL homers as Gonzalez knocked 24 homers, Fielder 22 and Howard 20 as of Monday night.

It works out the fearsome foursome can swing for the fences because Phillies manager Charlie Manuel chose four players to represent the NL including Howard.

The American League derby reps weren’t yet announced.

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