MLB All-Star Game: Why Ichiro Suzuki Belongs in the Home Run Derby

Back in the good old days, before there were night games and afternoon games started at three o'clock, there were "two o'clock hitters."

A "two o'clock hitter" blasted the ball during batting practice but had trouble hitting during the game.

On July 11, the All-Star Game's Home Run Derby will take place, pitting four National Leaguers against their American League counterparts. The contestants, unlike in the past, don't have to be members of their league's All-Star team.

David Ortiz, last year's winner, is the American League captain. More than a few individuals who know baseball suggested and hoped that Ortiz would select Ichiro Suzuki as a team member.

It was not a put-on.

Yes, Ichiro has hit only one home run this season, but Ichiro Suzuki, the great Seattle Mariners outfielder, is a "two o'clock home run hitter."  No one hits more batting practice home runs than Ichiro.

Nomar Garciaparra, an ESPN analyst, pointed out that Ichiro can almost hit home runs at will during batting practice.

J. J. Putz, the Arizona Diamondbacks closer, told Larry Stone of the Seattle Times a few seasons ago  "I would put my whole year's salary on it that he would win."

Some players have trouble hitting when they know what the pitcher is going to throw. Others thrive when a runner on second steals the catcher's sign and relays them the pitch.

Suzuki excels as a hitter whether or not he knows what's coming, but in batting practice, when he knows what's coming, he blasts away, sending pitch after pitch into the seats.  That's what the Home Run Derby is all about.

Baseball often honors its stars at the All-Star Game. This is the first time since he came to America that Ichiro is not an All-Star. It is also the first time since 2000 that no Japanese player will be on either All-Star team.

Ichiro is batting only .272/.318/.329, but almost all of his numbers are similar to those of last year.

At the halfway mark, he has 13 doubles, two triples, 22 RBIs, 21 steals and 24 walks.

Last season, he had 30 doubles, three triples, 43 RBIs, 42 steals and 45 walks.

It is entirely possible that Ichiro will get hot and his 2011 season will closely resemble his 2010 season.

Captain Ortiz has not selected Ichiro for the Home Run Derby. He has time to change his mind.

By putting Ichiro on the team, the American League would be honoring a future Hall of Famer. It would also be a fascinating paradox to have a 'slugger" who hit but one home run all season take part in a contest designed for home run hitters.

National League captain Prince Fielder has a similar chance to select a hitter who doesn't rank among the most prolific slugger in the game.

Justin Upton of the Diamondbacks was named to the NL All-Star and is willing to take part in the Derby. He has hit 13 home runs, but he has four of 450 feet or longer, and all have been at Chase Field. His home runs have averaged more than 425 feet.

One never knows when a batter who can hit home runs but isn't a home run hitter might beat the best home run hitters.

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Ichiro and the Home Run Derby