Bonds believes Ichiro could win Home Run Derby (Video)
Miami Marlins hitting coach Barry Bonds believes Ichiro Suzuki could easily win the Home Run Derby.
Barry Bonds knows a few things about hitting home runs. The all-time home run leader is currently serving as the hitting coach for the Miami Marlins, where he oversees Ichiro Suzuki, perhaps the greatest hitter of all-time.
Bonds made hitting a home run seem casual just like Suzuki has made getting on base seem effortless since he came to America and joined the Seattle Mariners in 2001.
Suzuki only has 113 home runs in his 16 years in America, but Bonds believes he could put other home run hitters to shame if given a chance to show off his abilities.
As the video shows, Bonds explains how Suzuki has such great command of his swing, he can simply send balls into the stands during batting practice with ease. He also says how he thinks Suzuki could win the Home Run Derby if given the chance to participate.
This possibility begins to draw up some excitement, but it is unlikely ever to happen. Suzuki has not hit a single home run this season, and the 42-year-old may be nearing the end of his illustrious career.
Bonds is clearly just having some fun with the media, but seeing Suzuki in the event would add an interesting twist. The same would go for Madison Bumgarner, but he will also not be participating in the Home Run Derby this year.
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There is a fine balance between giving fans a fun player to watch and maintaining the integrity of the event, so it may take a few years before a pitcher or a batting practice slugger like Suzuki get a chance to show their home run hitting abilities on the national stage.
But if the league knows a certain player, like Suzuki, has the ability to hit home runs with the batting practice-like system used in the Home Run Derby, there is no reason to keep him out of the event. The pressure would be different with a stadium full of fans as opposed to the few who are on hand to watch batting practice, but it could change the event forever if it worked out.
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Suzuki will not be the one to change the system of the Home Run Derby, so it will likely come down to someone like Bumgarner to eventually change the way fans perceive the event.