The Tradition Continues: Zero Homerun Derby Bat Flips for Yasiel Puig

After a lengthy and annoying rain delay in Minnesota, the 2014 MLB Homerun Derby got underway with new rules yet old traditions. The Dodgers continued their Homerun Derby legacy of not hitting homeruns as Yasiel Puig was shutout completely in the first round and did not even have the opportunity to bat flip on the national stage.

While Giancarlo Stanton was busy putting balls into orbit (oh he would look mighty fine in a Dodger uniform, wouldn’t he?), Yasiel Puig was way over anxious and was barely at the plate long enough for me to find my television remote in order to mute Chris Berman’s excruciating  “back, back, back, back…” shtick.

I can be honest and say that I could really care less if Puig hit no homeruns or 20 in the Homerun Derby. I’d rather Puig rest during the All-Star Break and be ready to roll in the second half. Yasiel Puig was having fun alongside Aroldis Chapman and the others participating, and I even saw Clayton Kershaw enjoying the action. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for a good time, but the Dodgers just really stink at the Homerun Derby.

Steve Garvey hit 2 in 1985.

Mike Piazza came up with big goose eggs in 1993 and 1994.

Raul Mondesi hit 2 in 1995.

Hee-Seop Choi hit 5 in 2005.

Matt Kemp hit 2 in 2011 and 1 in 2012.

Yasiel Puig a big 0 in 2014.

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12 Total Los Angeles Dodger HR Derby Dingers

Yasiel Puig has hit one homerun (July 4th) since May 28th, so it’s not that I expected him to Stanton many out, but he was literally done with the exhibition contest faster than anyone I have ever watched participate. Did anyone tell Yasiel that he could take pitches?

Then there was the head scratcher choice of Robinson Cano‘s dad as his pitcher. The Dodgers have two batting practice pitchers,

Jul 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; National League outfielder Yasiel Puig (66) of the Los Angeles Dodgers at bat in the first round during the 2014 Home Run Derby the day before the MLB All Star Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

and neither was asked to come along with Puig to Minnesota reportedly. Robinson Cano’s dad ended up pitching 2 1/3 scoreless frames.

Even more frustrating was the slew of ignorant comments toward Puig across Twitter during the Derby. Giants fans had a field day, yet I didn’t notice Buster Posey or Madison “Grand Slam” Bumgarner in the Derby, now did I?

Zeroed out, but not tamed. The Wild Horse will be starting in right field and batting second in Tuesday’s All-Star Game for the National League where he will surely make up for his HR Derby performance.

Maybe I will start caring once the All-Star Game is brought back to Dodger Stadium. I’m still waiting.