Third Rate Sluggers now Participate in HR Derby

[Catch 8]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/allstar10/news/story?id=5338160

This just really irks me. I know many of us are not huge HR Derby people, but, shouldn't players be obligated to participate if chosen? I was at the 1993 HR Derby, and all the game's best sluggers participated. Same argument for the All-Star Game; if you chose to sit out, then you should have to go on the 15-day DL. Also, no all-star bonuses for those who are inactive for the game.

Just once again, the HR Derby might have some significance if all the game's big sluggers participated. Imagine:

AL: A-Rod, Cabrera, Morneau, Hamilton, Vladdy

NL: Pujols, Howard, Dunn, Fielder, A-Gonz

(Yes, I am sure I am forgetting some)

[RShack]

This just really irks me. I know many of us are not huge HR Derby people, but, shouldn't players be obligated to participate if chosen?

I don't care about the HR Derby. The All-Star Game is interesting IFF the players take it seriously. But the HR Derby isn't, at least not to me. I don't see why you'd make somebody do it if they don't want to. They could abolish the thing for all I care...

[O's84]

Personally I'd like to see Ichiro in the HR Derby. They always say how he kills the ball in BP and if you don't follow baseball regularly you might think this guy is a HR hitter.

[scOtt]

I love the HR Derby. I think it's a lot of fun and a lot of shock and awe. I agree with Catch 8 I wish it really was the BEST sluggers in the game.

That being said, I don't think it's particularly important (except for PR value) and if a player bows out, then that's up to him, no foul.