David S.-David Strobach-
Recently in the media there have been tons of buzz about a pitcher possibly being in the Home Run Derby. Specifically, a lot of talk about Madison Bumgarner . Noah Syndergaard, aka “Thor,” has expressed interest in this event as well as Jake Arrieta. Also, Adam Wainwright wants a part in the derby. Should the MLB have a pitcher’s Home Run Derby or let them hit with the big boppers? The answer to either question is YES, absolutely.
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This is something baseball needs. It’s a breath of fresh air to the All-Star break and would be wildly entertaining. The new derby rules the MLB put into place were a fantastic addition last year, but this would make the event even better. Having either a pitcher derby or throwing some in with everyone else would make the event must-see T.V. The MLB has even discussed the possibility having a pitchers derby. It would probably make more sense to only add a pitcher or two to the mix of all other players.
It is totally understandable for teams and managers to be worried about the health of the pitchers if they partook in this. It’s the ony arguemnt on why pitchers shouldn’t be included. It’s safe to to say all of Chicago would be furious if Arrieta went out there swinging out of his shoes, causing a severe oblique strain. No team wants their ace going down for a fun little show. It’s risk that has to be taken for every player that participates.
Out of all players, I truly believe MadBum could give everyone a run for their money in the derby. Some players are mesmerized by his batting practice sessions. He’s simply a BEAST or “ox-strong, farm-bred,” as Dodgers pitcher Brett Anderson described him. After all, he has homered twice off one of the greatest pitchers of our time, Clayton Kershaw. Watch, in awe as MadBum drops two bombs off the star lefty. If these two swings don’t influence you to put him in the derby, I don’t know what will.
Imagine MadBum sailing balls into the sand of Petco Park, Thor using his hammer to crush balls out and Arrieta hitting bombs off of Western Metal Supply Company in left field. Talk about a the best All-Star event ever. Baseball, it’s time for pitchers to be involved in the Home Run Derby!
What would you think of this? Should they be included or have their own derby?
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I’m not a big fan of the modern home run derby. I remember watching the show years ago & it was great seeing players go head to head & the winner advanced to the next week. It would be great to have a weekly show like that in the off-season, like years ago when Aaron, Mays, Mantle, Killebrew, Kaline, etc.. , went head to head. Imagine the best home run hitters of today doing that.
To answer your question, I would only be in favor of seeing pitchers competing against each other only if it was with the old format, head to head, 9 innings, 3 outs per inning. Today’s format, not only in the middle of the season, creates bad habits, and the risk of injury is greater due to the amount of swings. Several players that have competed in the past have gone on to have bad 2nd halves. The amount of swings at the least have created blisters & could be worse.