Marcus Thames for the derby!

The all-star game is quickly approaching. I love the midsummer classic. Growing up a Tigers fan, that was my one chance a year to see one Tiger in the national spotlight, usually an 8th inning pinch hit. You could argue that Robert Fick or Brad Ausmus weren't exactly traditional all-stars, but I pulled for them just as hard. In an upcoming post I will discuss why having an all-star from each team is essential. However, today I am going to pitch (pun alert) Marcus Thames being invited to the HR derby. I fully realize this is a homer pick (there's another one). I want the whole country to know Marcus. His last 8 hits have been bombs. Eight! This guy is country strong, and now is finally getting a chance to play full-time. Also, Thames is a throwback to home-run hitters of yore. He swings hard, strikes out a ton, and when he connects..... look out. Earlier this week launched a ball at Pac Bell where only Barry had ventured before. In the age of steroid hysteria, and a 2008"coincidental" power outage, why not have Thames. It would be a great story, the one time Yankee farmhand comes back to close the house Ruth built by dropping bombs all throughout the Bronx.

Why it won't happen:

1. Thames hasn't been playing full-time all year so he only has 120 at-bats.

2. He's doesn't have a home run hitting name. If his name were Ortiz, or Hafner, or Griffey and kids everywhere has his jersey he would warrant the invite.

3. You have to think MLB doesn't want a disgruntled ex-Yankee coming into the stadium dropping bombs all over Hank's world

Why it will happen:

1. Injuries are everywhere: Hafner, Manny, and Papi - all currently hurting. Other than sentimental favorites Carlos Quentin and Josh Hamilton; and hometowner A-rod there are no shoe-ins ahead of Thames in HRs this season (Giambi, Sizemore, Crede, Manny, Drew, Beltre, and Bradley)

2. No Yankee wants a Red Sox to have the derby title the last year of the stadium. And I have no confidence A-rod can win this thing.

3. 120 at-bats......13 bombs - if he can get to the 17-18 plateau I think he has a chance.

Here's to you Marcus, hitting taters the old fashion way using the best philosophy in baseball: swing hard, you might hit the ball.