Just look it up: Event doesn't ruin swings

USA TODAY, July, 2008 by Cesar Brioso

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Debunking a Home Run Derby myth

Hey, A-Rod, maybe it was safe for you to participate in the Home Run Derby after all.

That's what Sportstsar.com concluded by taking the Derby winners since 2000 and looking at their second-half performances.

Among the sluggers who showed no ill effects after the All-Star break:

*Sammy Sosa (2000) batted .338 with 27 homers and 64 RBI.

*Jason Giambi (2002) went from .318-22-71 to .309-19-51 in 17 fewer games.

*Ryan Howard (2006) saw all his numbers increase in the second half, from .278-28-71 to .355-30-78.

Somebody should have shown these numbers to New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, who opted not to participate in the first and only Home...