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Sat, Jul 10th 2010, 09:37
Hanley set to participate in first HR Derby
Swinging for the fences won’t mess up Hanley Ramirez.
At least that is the opinion of the Marlins shortstop, who confirmed on Friday that indeed he would compete in Monday’s Home Run Derby.
Ramirez had been having second thoughts since telling the league that he would compete in the annual event. On Thursday, MLB announced Ramirez would take part. But before the Marlins faced the D-backs at Chase Field, the three-time All-Star was reconsidering.
The reason for backtracking is Ramirez is hoping the Marlins pick things up in the second half. For them to get back into the race, the team needs their 26-year-old All-Star to raise his game. A concern for competitors in the Derby is it might throw their swings off.
Asked to assess his first half, the shortstop said: “For me? Terrible.”
After winning the National League batting title with a .342 average last year, he entered Friday hitting .292 with 13 homers and 53 RBIs. The Marlins were 10 games behind the Braves in the NL East.
“Thank goodness we’ve got the second half coming,” Ramirez said. “It’s just the average. I don’t like to be a .200 hitter. That’s not me.”
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