 07/12/2003 9:57 PM ET
Delgado joins Home Run Derby
Slugger leads AL in home runs and RBIs
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By Spencer Fordin / MLB.com
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Complete coverage of the Home Run Derby >
TORONTO -- Carlos Delgado has spent most of his season making games
look like batting practice, so he has no reason to shy away from an event
like a Home Run Derby. Toronto's slugger, leading the AL in several
offensive categories, is looking forward to putting on a show at the
All-Star Game.
"It's a lot of fun. You get to go out there, have a good time, swing
the bat," he said on Saturday. "It's not a huge deal, but it's fun.
Hopefully I'll get a little uppercut and the ball will carry for me. I'm not
going to make any changes."
Why should he? Delgado leads the AL in home runs (28), RBIs (92) and
runs scored (75). His batting stroke has brought him a lot of success
this season, and he'll be the AL's starting first baseman at the All-Star
Game.
Home Run Derby is just a chance for him to relax and have fun. He'll
get to compare swings and match skills with some of the best players in
baseball. At the end of the day, he may even earn a bright shiny trophy.
"I've always said, if you're healthy and you can do it, it's a good
experience. I'm kind of looking forward to it," he said. "It's fun. You're
there anyway. You're spending your day at the ballpark, so you might as
well do it."
And what about the concerns that an exhibition like that can screw up a
player's timing? Delgado doesn't believe in that theory, saying that
it's just like his daily batting practice routine.
"It's just regular BP. Just go out there and swing hard," he said. "I
swing hard anyway, so it's not like a change or anything. Just do
everything mechanically right."
Spencer Fordin is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was
not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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