LET PITCHERS HIT IN THE HOME RUN DERBY!

I am a big @ESPN Sunday Night Baseball fan.  I don't care who is playing, I watch, religiously. Perhaps it is just the tradition.  Maybe it is the connection.  Certainly it is the connection I feel with my son when we watch the game together.

Over the last two weeks, a popular topic among the Sunday Night analysts has been whether or not Madison Bumgarner should be "allowed" to participate in the All Star Game Home Run Contest in San Diego this July.  I'll tell you what; my son and I would love it.  Bring it on, Bumgarner.  He is a joy to watch from the hill; I'd love to see him crack some over the fence.

According to USA Today, "Bumgarner has slugged 13 career homers -- two this season -- in the fewest plate appearances (457) to start a career than any pitcher since 1969. That's eight less plate appearances (465) than runner-up and former Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano, who finished with 24 career home runs."  And guess what, he wants to participate and since he's voiced his enthusiasm for the contest, other pitchers across the league want in too.

"If he's in it, I want to be in it," said Chicago Cubs ace Jake Arrieta.  St. Louis Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright chimed in via Twitter. "Well, if Madbum and @JArrieta34 want in on this #homerunderby...I might as well throw my name in the hat!" Even New York Mets' Ace Noah Syndergaard has indicated he would participate if given the opportunity.

"At this point, everyone is a little sick of the All-Star game and the format in general. So why not spruce things up a bit with a one-round, winner-take-all, pitchers-only Home Run Derby?" reported CBS St. Louis.

I say let them hit!  If pitchers want to compete and managers say why not? then let's go for it! Switching things up from time to time is a good thing.  I think this is one of those times that MLB needs to just do it.

--Suzie Pinstripe, BYB Senior Staff Writer
BYB Hot Stove Columnist
Twitter: @suzieprof


 

 

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