Bumgarner wants to compete in HR derby
Madison Bumgarner wants to let loose with his bat.
The San Francisco Giants ace told ESPN's Buster Olney on Sunday in St. Louis that he's itching for a spot in the Home Run Derby this July in San Diego, and proved it by mashing a few offerings into the upper deck during batting practice.
It isn't a ridiculous request: in the last two seasons, Bumgarner has led all pitchers in home runs and is currently tied atop this year's leaderboard with New York Mets starter Noah Syndergaard:
| Pitcher | Team | HR |
|---|---|---|
| Bumgarner | Giants | 2 |
| Syndergaard | Mets | 2 |
| Arrieta | Cubs | 1 |
| Cole | Pirates | 1 |
| Colon | Cubs | 1 |
| Maeda | Dodgers | 1 |
| Wainwright | Cardinals | 1 |
Bumgarner is also comparable with two of the game's biggest superstars, Mike Trout and Bryce Harper, with his incredible pop.
Yes, it’s true.
— MLB Stat of the Day (@MLBStatoftheDay) June 2, 2016
We can’t believe it either. (h/t @theaceofspaeder) pic.twitter.com/0twG75CDiE
Giants skipper Bruce Bochy, though, doesn't want to risk injuring his star arm.
"No, to be serious, I couldn't let him do it," Bochy told Olney. "We couldn't let him do it."
We'll keep dreaming then.
(Video courtesy: MLB.com)