Syndergaard, Bumgarner, Arrieta And Wainwright All In For Possible Pitchers Home Run Derby
By Bryan Altman
When pitchers take their turn at the plate in a baseball game, it's normally a good opportunity to take a quick break from game action and hit the restroom or grab some concessions since seeing a pitcher hit isn't exactly must-see TV most times.
However, some pitchers have broken the mold and take immense pride in their hitting prowess. So much so that they'd even like to participate in the All-Star weekend Home Run Derby.
It all started with Giants ace Madison Bumgarner declaring that he wanted to partake in the contest after he belted his second home run this season in just his 37th plate appearance. He has hit 13 home runs in his career.
From there, things have escalated.
Now, aces from the Cubs, Cardinals and Mets -- Jake Arrieta, Adam Wainwright and Noah Syndergaard, respectively -- have said that they want to be a part of the pitchers' Home Run Derby as well.
Actually, Syndergaard may have nominated a certain 43-year-old fellow Mets pitcher and fan favorite for the derby judging by the #WeWantBart hashtag on Twitter.
Either way, reports indicate that MLB is listening intently and that it has actually considered a pitchers-only Home Run Derby.
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?
Sure, injuries to starting pitchers over swinging to outdo one another is a scary prospect for most managers, but if the guys are up for it, let's make it happen.
Bryan Altman is, for some reason, an unabashed fan of the Rangers, Jets and Mets. If he absolutely had to pick a basketball team it would be the Knicks, but he'd gladly trade them for just one championship for any of his other three teams.
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