Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
The Major League Baseball Home Run Derby is one of those things that I really have a split opinion over. On one hand it can be very entertaining and it makes a great addition to a video game. Still on the other hand it is something that isn’t really necessary and can take a ton out of the guy doing the swinging. Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout was not selected to participate on the American League’s derby team and it’s just as well because Mike Scioscia had already suggested that he not take part.
Scioscia thinks that the event takes way too many swings to complete for someone that is in it. I totally agree with that especially one who gets to the later rounds. Maybe if there was just one round or two at the most it would be different. But the way the rules are now days the guys can be in there for four hours taking huge swings for 400 plus foot homers. I really just don’t see the point in it taking that long. Why not go one round and either have a tie breaker or crown the winner right then? I know the answer, it’s because it gets good ratings and ESPN and those like them enjoy making money.
That is all well and good but for my money, I would rather not see one of the game’s better young star players swing the bat a bazillion times in one night just to get a meaningless crown and maybe a screwed up swing. I think Trout should consider himself blessed to have not been chosen. I get the idea that he didn’t really think it was his cup of tea anyway though. I say, good for him.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.
