Updated throughout the day with quick takes from staff.
The Home Run Derby continues to go the way of the Slam Dunk Contest. The players who are best at what the competition requires – in this case, hitting baseballs far – seem to be less and less interested. The latest to opt out is Alex Rodriguez, who won’t participate despite the festivities taking place in his home ballpark:
"I try to stay away from that," Rodriguez said. "My responsibility is to the New York Yankees. I need my swing to be at its best."Sure, sure, it damages his swing. Certainly, it has nothing to do with the fact that in the other three times he’s been in the Derby, he’s never made it out of the first round and hit a combined total of nine homers. Either way, it can’t be nearly as harmful to his swing as the postseason is, so he’d at least have that going for him.Like many players, Rodriguez insists that taking part in the Home Run Derby can have a damaging effect on his swing.
Oh, right, there’s also this other disturbing A-Rod news. Ugh.
(H/T: BBTF)
This post originally appeared on the Sporting Blog. For more, see The Sporting Blog Archives.
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I think this is an arrogant move by A-Rod. I usually like everything he does, but this is ridiculous. He is widely considered the next home run king, but he won’t take part in the derby.
Anywhere else I would be fine with it. But in your home stadium, the one that will be torn down after this season and was built by Ruth. Hmm, I say you go out there and do it. He wonders why they boo him. How can you be a fan-favorite when all you think about is yourself?
by bigredbaer on Jul 2, 2008 1:23 PM EDT reply actions
Hmmm… On your next day off, why dont you go to work and clean out the toilets off the clock, so its a more attractive place to come to? Because its a hassle, idiot.
by giftedkid527 on Jul 2, 2008 2:41 PM EDT reply actions
Yeah man, competing in a home run derby — and getting paid to do so — is so similar to coming into your office on the weekend to clear other people’s crap.
by cmottram on Jul 2, 2008 3:36 PM EDT reply actions
C’mon Mottram, my desk is a wreck right now. I’ll make it worth your time (can you say Hamiltons?)
by QA Test 1 on Jul 2, 2008 4:19 PM EDT reply actions
No, of course its different.
Cleaning tht toilets is a mindless tedium that you can divert your focus from and still finish decently, or if you dont, who cares, whereas the homer derby will be broadcast to 100 million fans, and had arod gone, he would be booed and judged by 40,000 more in his own stadium, getting kiled by hopelessly idiotic drunks unable to appreciate class and greatness. Add that to the fact that he must be 100% focused and on top of his game for a second of the 3 nights off they get for their “halftime” i would say it sucks more for him to compete in the derby.
by giftedkid527 on Jul 2, 2008 11:21 PM EDT reply actions
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