I guess we're getting started with Home Run Derby news now. Tuesday, Robinson Cano was named the captain of the American League team, and Matt Kemp was named the captain of the National League team. It's up to the captains to find three other participants apiece, and one assumed Cano would think about Josh Hamilton, who currently leads the majors in dingers. But according to Hamilton, Hamilton's going to pass:
Josh Hamilton Won’t Participate In 2012 Home Run Derby
Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton said he will not compete in Home Run Derby. More to come.
— Anthony Andro (@aandro) June 5, 2012
Hamilton put on a legendary Derby performance in 2008. He then declined to participate in 2009 and 2010. He thought about participating in 2011, but here we are now in 2012, and the Derby will be Josh Hamilton-less barring a change of mind.
Back in 2008, before the Derby, Hamilton posted a .919 OPS, and homered once per 20 trips to the plate. After the Derby, he posted an .874 OPS, and homered once per 25 trips to the plate. He homered in his third, sixth, and seventh games coming out of the All-Star Break, so it’s not like the Derby messed up his swing. But now we’ve gone past another 200 words dedicated to the 2012 Home Run Derby -- in June -- so I’m going to stop writing now. Sorry about Josh Hamilton, you Home Run Derby enthusiasts.
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