Pitchers All-Star Home Run Derby Picking Up Momentum
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF and AP) – Anyone who has watched San Francisco Giants batting practice knows that lurking somewhere in the DNA of pitching ace Madison Bumgarner lurks a few stray genes belonging to a slugger.
He joyfully takes rips in the cage, driving balls deep into the outfield stands.
So far this season, he has two homers including a two-run shot in last week's 6-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves. His other was a deep dive off Dodger Clayton Kershaw – who has given up just 5 homers all season.
Bumgarner hit five last season and has hit 13 in his big league career.
His hitting credentials are remarkable for a pitcher but that's the dig – the phase "for a pitcher "always is included in any discussion of his prowess at the plate.
It's a phase he has grown very tired of and apparently so have many of his contemporaries around the league.
So it's not surprising Bumgarner's announced desire to take part in the home run derby at the All-Star Game is being taken up by pitchers around the league.
Chicago's Jake Arrieta, St. Louis' Adam Wainwright and New York Met ace Noah Syndergaard have all tossed their hats into the ring.
Well, if Madbum and @JArrieta34 want in on this #homerunderby...I might as well throw my name in the hat! #5:00hero #laser-show
— Adam Wainwright (@UncleCharlie50) June 12, 2016
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Cubs manager Joe Maddon says he is intrigued by the idea.
"I think it would be interesting," Maddon said. "It might even be more interesting than the regulars."
Following his 8-2 win over the Atlanta Braves on Saturday night, Arrieta said he would want to match home-run power with Bumgarner.
"If he's in it, I want to be in it," Arrieta said after having two hits in the win.
Arrieta said swinging for the fences in the All-Star spotlight "would probably be the most adrenalin I would ever have."
Maddon said Sunday he would not be worried about Arrieta getting hurt but stopped short of endorsing the idea on behalf of the team.
"Well, he's strong, man," said Maddon of Arrieta. "Real strong. Bumgarner has got a great swing, though. I watched. Jake is good but Bumgarner is really loose and free and easy with his approach."
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