M's notebook: Ichiro says no to HR Derby try

[Porter]

ANAHEIM, Calif. - For the fifth year, Ichiro's uncanny ability to hit the ball amazing distances in batting practice will not be showcased in the Home Run Derby on Monday at the All-Star Festival in Detroit.

"I only have six home runs," the Mariners outfielder said before last night's game. "The players that enter the Home Run Derby have the good numbers to go in. I told them, 'If I had 20 homers I would enter.' I don't."

Yet Ichiro's phenomenal daily power displays, usually on his last six or eight swings of batting practice, are so well known that Major League Baseball officials are believed to have asked him to take part.

Earlier this week, rather than his usual outright rejection of the homer event, he had said he might participate. As if to give an example, that night in Kansas City he hit a batting-practice pitch to the back wall of the right-field bullpen, at least 450 feet.

Asked if he had been asked, Ichiro did not answer directly. Instead, he said, "I respect the Home Run Derby. It is an event for players who hit home runs."

You know if Pudge enters this event, He should...for gods sakes Hee Seop Choi is entered.......

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[Kingdom]

This is going to be boring unless some real players join.