Carlos Beltran Should Not Participate in the Home Run Derby

A recent report that Carlos Beltran has volunteered to participate in the 2012 Home Run Derby might not be the great news many St. Louis Cardinals fans think it is.

Beltran told Fox Sports Midwest on Wednesday, June 13 that if he was asked, he would participate.

Arguably the best free-agent bargain of the offseason, Beltran has been invaluable to a struggling Cardinals squad. Wednesday evening, he went 3-4 with his 19^th home run of 2012 to lead the Cardinals to a 1-0 victory. His three hits were three of only four Cardinals hits on the night.

While the NL home run leader (19) could put on a great show at the derby, the potential costs could easily outweigh the benefits.

The Cardinals Need Him

Beltran has been a huge success for the Cardinals in 2012 and is effectively making GM John Mozeliak look like a genius.

He leads the team in HR (19), RBI (47), is second in batting average (.298) and third in both runs scored (38) and stolen bases (6).

Numbers like those aren't easily replaced by a team if something were to go wrong. The struggling Cardinals have weathered many personnel losses this year, but a Beltran loss could be the straw that broke the camel's back.

Injury Risk

While injuries tied to the Home Run Derby have been rare, it is always a risk. Home run swings put a tremendous strain on the body. Even swinging like that during a game could injure a player.

The Home Run Derby, as enjoyable as it is to watch, is an unnecessary injury risk to star players and one of these days, someone will get hurt badly.

Given Beltran's own history of knee issues, it's in his best interest to sit this one out.

Swing Issues

Whether the Home Run Derby affects hitter's swings has long been debated. A bad night, or a good night at the derby for that matter, can all change the way a hitter operates.

During the derby, batters swing repeatedly at their best pitch from a pitcher they personally selected. When you come out and take 50-plus swings like that and then go back to facing skilled major league pitching, it can be difficult for a player to get his timing back.

For every player who has struggled following the derby, there is one who did great. With that being said, Beltran is doing great in the first half of the season, so why risk losing his groove?

If he participates, it's fine to watch and root for him. Just keep your fingers crossed, too.

Guys Who Said No to the Home Run Derby: Josh Hamilton (2012)

Texas Rangers centerfielder Josh Hamilton has already opted out of the 2012 Home Run Derby, telling the Associated Press, “It's just not the right time.”

David Ortiz (2012)

David Ortiz was the first to opt out of the derby in 2012. The Boston Red Sox designated hitter said the move had nothing to do with his swing and more to do with his age. Big Papi was the captain of the American League derby squad in 2011.

Mark Teixeira (2011)

New York Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira declined to participate in the Home Run Derby in 2011 when he wasn't selected for the All-Star Team. He said if he had been selected he would have participated, but instead elected to spend the time off with his family.

Justin Morneau (2010)

Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau, winner of the 2008 Home Run Derby, opted out in 2010 because he wanted a day off. Over the course of a 162-game season, that is a very common reason.

It's doubtful the Home Run Derby is going away anytime in the foreseeable future, but more than ever players seem to be noticing the risks associated with participating.