BOB, GROZ AND TOM

Mariners’ Nelson Cruz explains why he says no to the Home Run Derby

Jun 30, 2016, 1:04 PM

Since the beginning of the 2014 season, nobody in baseball has hit more home runs than Nelson Cruz. So with 104 homers and counting to his credit over that period – including 20 this season, the latest of which was a rocket to the upper deck at Safeco Field – you can just imagine how entertaining it would be to see the Mariners slugger in the annual Home Run Derby during the All-Star break.

Don’t hold your breath on that.

Cruz told 710 ESPN Seattle’s “Bob, Groz and Tom” on Wednesday that he doesn’t plan on competing in the annual Derby, and he has his reasons.

“You know, they ask me every year, and every year I say the same thing. I’d rather rest because that can wear you out and get you tired,” Cruz said. “I prefer to stay just back and rest and use that time to prepare for the second half.”

Cruz, who turns 36 on Friday, has experience in the Derby. In 2009, he finished second in the competition behind Prince Fielder, crushing 21 total homers to Fielder’s 23. That was his first All-Star appearance, and while it took him another four seasons to return to the Midsummer Classic, he currently has a three-year All-Star streak going. It seems very likely he’ll be an All-Star for the fifth time in a few weeks, as he owns a .280/.363/.529 slash line with 53 RBIs this season, and his 20 homers rank fourth in the American League.

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