MLB hasn't even asked Pujols to join the home run derby
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Seven-time All-Star Albert Pujols says nobody has asked him, but he's ready, willing and able to participate in next week's Home Run Derby at All-Star Game festivities at Yankee Stadium.Irritated by Major League Baseball's snub in the 2004 Derby following a strong showing in 2003, Pujols sounded as if he is past any bruised feelings or concern about doing damage to his swing.
"It doesn't bother me at all," he said. Pujols said Tuesday he is honored and looking forward to participating in the midsummer classic in the current Yankee Stadium's last season. Playing long ball Monday would only add to the experience."Last year, they (extended the invitation) when I was on the plane flying with Tony. It was pretty much an emergency," Pujols recalled of his flight to San Francisco with manager Tony La Russa as the Cardinals' only playing representative.
Pujols theorized an invitation to the Derby might again wait until the last minute while the commissioner's office waits to see whether New York Mets third baseman David Wright is voted onto the NL roster by fans.Pujols slipped from Busch Stadium after Sunday's 7-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs without addressing his selection by NL manager Clint Hurdle, but on Tuesday he underscored its meaning.
"With the level of competition, it's a great honor to go to the All-Star Game," said Pujols, yet to experience a National League win. "A lot of people say it gets old. To me, it doesn't get old. It's pretty much how you get paid for your offseason training. It's the reward for your first half. I take every one like my first one. I enjoy it. I try to do as much as I can."
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Mahomes is not a game manager. Release the Kraken.
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