Home Run Derby: Players representing their home nations (Puerto Rico?!)

[Imran Siddiqui]

I like the set up. I never really watch the HR Derby anyway. A total waste of time really. But this may be interesting to watch.

[DerSchwarzfalke]

A-Rod was asked to represent the United States, but he turned it down. The Home Run Derby really messes up a player's swing, which is why you don't see a lot of sluggers -- especially the smarter ones -- in there.

Ichiro initially was going to represent Japan in the Home Run Derby. It sounds silly at first glance, but he has some hidden power that would have made him a dark horse. I think he wisely chose to drop out, since during the regular season -- far more important -- he makes his living as a singles hitter.

I enjoy the Home Run Derby. I do not like the current format by country, but I have a feeling that it will revert to sluggers next year when they realize that David Ortiz and Carlos Lee just ran away with this one. It is a one time gimmick to advertise the upcoming Baseball World Cup.

[asleepathewheel]

I'm glad Pujols isn't in it. It sometimes messes up their swings for a bit afterwards, occassionally leading to injuries.

[GePap]

Puerto Rico is not a country- it is a spolied little island with little worthwhile history an little accomplishement.

[Imran Siddiqui]

ABREU!!!

Wow!

[snoopy369]

Originally posted by Imran Siddiqui


You guys ACTUALLY think the biggest HR hitters want to participate in the HR derby? Please!

And Matsui may not have wanted to participate... which leaves you with who for Japan?

ICHIRO!!

But yes, most of the listed above chose not to participate (like Pujols).

Anywho, it's an amusing idea. Not sure why Choi or Bay are in it ... sadly, though, HR Derby and other all-star activities are never going to get many of the big names, because there's no real reason for them to participate ...

[snoopy369]

Oh - and Puerto Rico may technically be another nation. It's not a state, and I forget the exact details, but it may be considered another nation technically (but one with a specific, legal relationship with the United States).

I do know that you ship FedEx-International (Ground) to Puerto Rico, which is very amusing.

[KrazyHorse]

There's no technical definition of "nation"

Puerto Rico is a protectorate of the US

[Imran Siddiqui]

Not sure why Choi or Bay are in it

Because they are from different countries, and wanted to play .

There's no technical definition of "nation"

In International Relations there sure is. And snoopy is right that PR may qualify as a seperate nation from the American nation. Though they are both under the same state.

[Winston]

Maybe it's just like baseball in general - completely random and totally unpredictable.

Plus I agree, Puerto Rico is widely regarded as a separate country in sports. They have their own Olympic Committee & team, for instance.

[KrazyHorse]

If there's a technical definition then you should be able to come out and tell me whether or not it's a different nation.

[Imran Siddiqui]

I'm sure there is a technical defintion of concepts in chemistry, but I can't tell you whether one thing is a certain element or not (for example).

I'd need to have knowledge of sociology and history of the peoples of the island in order to tell you if it is a different nation or not. I think it is highly likely that Puerto Rico is a seperate nation and most IR scholars would say so, but I don't have the specialized expertise to be sure. It's most definetly seperate nation from the US, but whether it is a nation of its own, or part of another nation within the Caribbean... well, that I don't know. I'd have to know the origins and customs of the people of Puerto Rico compared to other islands around it.

[GePap]

Not "nation", STATE.

Puerto Ricans are surely a nation.

Its is not clear they are a STATE in any terms outside of the sporting world.

There are no such things as Puerto Rican embassies anywhere in the world.

[KrazyHorse]

No, the problem is that even two "experts" are going to disagree about all that ****.

Because the definition is vague.

[KrazyHorse]

The one for "state" is much clearer and has a number of tests.

Puerto Rico fails most of those.