http://aol.sportingnews.com/mlb/story/2011-06-10/marlins-mike-stanton-would-be-welcome-addition-to-home-run-derby

 

Want to spice up the All-Star festivities? Here's your chance: Vote for Marlins right fielder Mike Stanton to participate in the Home Run Derby fan poll.

 

The 21-year-old 240-pounder is becoming known for his tape-measure shots, and according to hittrackeronline.com, he already owns the longest homers this season at Citi Field (465 feet) and Dolphins Stadium (428). He is tied for fifth in the N.L. with 14 homers.

 

Mike Stanton has shown impressive power this year. (AP photo) He also has been putting on shows during batting practice, notably at AT&T Park when he sent one to the big Coca-Cola bottle beyond the left-field seats.

 

Getting Stanton into the derby is a long shot. He's not likely to make the All-Star team, which typically is a prerequisite. Also, he's not even listed on the Fan Poll ballot at mlb.com. But you can write him in. Because MLB ultimately decides the participants, Stanton would have a chance even if he's not voted one of the top four.

 

Jose Bautista and Albert Pujols lead the latest poll voting.

 

When you talk to Stanton, he seems almost sheepish about his ability to hit a baseball so far. Asked if he can tell the difference when he connects on a 400-footer compared to a 450-footer, he shrugged. "I'm not worried about that. They all count the same," he said.

 

The campaign has begun.

 

I would keep this in the Man Crush Thread, but I feel this deserves its own thread.

 

The fan voting doesn't determine who gets voted in. I don't think there is one player who would make for a more exciting Home Run Derby than Mike Stanton. However you can, try and spread the word around, try and create a viral campaign. I think if we really tried at this, as a unit, Marlins fans could get Stanton there (if he continues his current pace).

It would be a crying shame not to see Stanton...

 

I would be very surprised if hes not there.

Oh what a show that would be.

 

Instant household name.

I used up 3 email accounts trying to get him into the All-Star game. I hope he gets selected for the derby even though he probably won't be an All-Star this year.

Another good article...he's in some elite company

 

 

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/06/09/mike-stanton-has-35-homers-after-365-days-in-the-big-leagues/

Please, Please, Please DO NOT put Stanton in the HR derby!! :nono

Yes he has prodigious power, yes he could put on a Hell of a show,

BUT the HR derby F*%Ks with a players swing way too much.

Please, Please, Please DO NOT put Stanton in the HR derby!! :nono

Yes he has prodigious power, yes he could put on a Hell of a show,

BUT the HR derby F*%Ks with a players swing way too much.

 

 

First, Stanton's swing is designed for this; watch him take batting practice sometimes.

 

Secondly, your theory is utterly unsupported by empirical data. Maybe someone can dig up that little exchange from a thread a little while back (I recall Rab being involved) that ripped apart this "theory."

Please, Please, Please DO NOT put Stanton in the HR derby!! :nono

Yes he has prodigious power, yes he could put on a Hell of a show,

BUT the HR derby F*%Ks with a players swing way too much.

 

 

First, Stanton's swing is designed for this; watch him take batting practice sometimes.

 

Secondly, your theory is utterly unsupported by empirical data. Maybe someone can dig up that little exchange from a thread a little while back (I recall Rab being involved) that ripped apart this "theory."

 

okay I'll bite and fire the first shot

Bobby Abreu 2005, he was most definetly not the same hitter after the HR derby. Give Stanton a few years in "The Show" when he's learned to hit (maybe Eduardo can help) like he projects to be able to, then let him win it every year

Stanton already swings like he's in the derby. He'd be fine.

I blame the home run derby for Hanley sucking this year

First, Stanton's swing is designed for this; watch him take batting practice sometimes.

 

Secondly, your theory is utterly unsupported by empirical data.

 

Thank you. Saved me some effort.

And FWIW, Hanley hit .300 post all star break last season.

Does anyone have a link to this poll?

Stanton is built for the derby. He already K's a ton so what can it hurt. Also I believe Abreu was performing way above his normal level 2005 pre ASG. He just came back after the ASG.

I'd expect a Josh Hamilton style performance if Mike made it in

These are a couple of articles from Hardballtimes.com attempting to prove through empirical evidence that the HR derby does NOT affect a player's swing.

 

 

Do hitters decline after the Home Run Derby?

 

 

Another look at the Home Run Derby hangover effect

 

 

Pretty good reads to those that are interested.

There has been a decline in the HR% of HR Derby participants in the 2nd half compared to the 1st half. Those are the facts according to people who have crunched the actual numbers. But noone knows what the cause for the decline is. But the decline is there.

Comparing the HR% to the first half isn't what you should do. You should compare it to career HR%.

There has been a decline in the HR% of HR Derby participants in the 2nd half compared to the 1st half. Those are the facts according to people who have crunched the actual numbers. But noone knows what the cause for the decline is. But the decline is there.

 

 

It's happening, Rab!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comparing the HR% to the first half isn't what you should do. You should compare it to career HR%.

 

 

Career pre HR derby vs. career after HR derby.. or career pre HR derby vs. season after HR derby?

Career HR% before the HR derby. It's the bigger sample size. A guy might be in the HR derby because of a really hot two and a half months. If he doesn't live up to that, it's not because the HR derby screwed up his swing. It's just he couldn't sustain a hot streak.

Stanton further promotes his case.

If he gets on the roster, I'd say it's likely that he gets into the derby.

 

With Johnson hurt right now, I think that it should be between Gaby and Stanton for the role of Marlins' representative. If Stanton manages to stay near the top of the league in home runs, it should be him over Gaby. Remember that Stanton's OPS is higher right now due to his power.

I think it would be wise for MLB to have him in there .... his shots are electric and they get talked about in the national media a bit as it is ...... when he comes into town his BP sessions are talked about on local radio for being very impressive ..... would be a good way for MLB to promote a young, exciting star .... he's pretty much built for this

 

also, i'm a bit biased because I'll be in the building and would love to cheer on a marlin

It's odd looking back and realizing Hanley finished in 2nd place last year in the HR derby.

 

My how things have changed for him, but hopefully they will change from what we have seen so far, he is just a few games away.