Dunn Snubbed Once Again

When Robinson Cano announced Athletics outfielder Yoenis Cespedes would be the final member of his American League Homerun Derby, White Sox first baseman Adam Dunn once again missed the cutoff. Through his career, this generation’s version of Dave Kingman has made only two All-Star Game appearances, without a Derby appearance.

Although the Homerun Derby usually requires participants to be All-Stars, Dunn has been a legitimate candidate for it with multiple 40 homerun seasons, including five straight from 2004-2008. The biggest issue with the Homerun Derby is the obligatory All-Star status.

The Homerun Derby is called that for a reason. It is not the all around player derby.

Since he was a rookie in 2001, Dunn has already belted 430 homeruns. Dunn has the 45^th most all-time homeruns and is one of only 50 players to eclipse the magical 400 mark. Heading into the All-Star Break, Dunn is tied with Pedro Alvarez and Raul Ibanez for the fifth most in the majors with 24.

But why is he never celebrated with Cano and Prince Fielder in the Homerun Derby?

Adam Dunn has become one of the premier power hitters in baseball, however due to his one-dimensional play he usually finds himself snubbed from the All-Star week festivities. A career .238 hitter with over 2,000 strikeouts, Dunn is most definitely not Ted Williams. With 115 career errors, Dunn has also yet to perform in the field, while failing to find a permanent position, bouncing between first base, corner outfield positions, and designated hitter.

Like everywhere, politics can exist in the Homerun Derby. The worst part of the Derby is captains can elect to pick their friends to join them to represent their leagues. Only two Derby participants, Carlos Gonzalez with 25 and Chris Davis with a major league high 36, have more homeruns this season than Dunn.

In a perfect world, the Derby participants would be decided by the top four homerun leaders in the National and American Leagues. In that utopia, Dunn would have made the Derby in 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, and 2004.

It is incomprehensible how someone in an all-time class with Babe Ruth, Jimmie Foxx, and Barry Bonds and top ten for the season homerun totals, is not included in the Derby. Just because Dunn has never had a season where he hit above .270 and does not boast Gold Glove caliber defense does not make him unqualified for the Homerun Derby.

In fact, Adam Dunn may be the most qualified for the Derby.

The Homerun Derby is not even a contest even more; it is purely entertainment for both the players and fans. In my opinion, Adam Dunn could put on a show for his peers and fans by cranking 450 foot shots and getting on mesmerizing runs much like Josh Hamilton did in 2008.