Miami Marlins’ Jose Fernandez wants to help David Ortiz hit home run in ASG
Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez said something that may anger fans of teams in the National League pennant race.
The 2016 MLB All-Star Game takes place tonight, and will once again decide home-field advantage in the World Series.
Miami Marlins ace Jose Fernandez knows this fact, but still claims he may make it easy for an opposing player to hit a home run if given the chance.
Fernandez spoke with ESPN’s Marly Rivera and said some things that may angers fans of the Chicago Cubs, Washington Nationals and San Francisco Giants:
"“I would love to face David,” Fernandez told ESPN’s Marly Rivera on Monday. “It would be a dream come true for me.“I told him yesterday that I am going to throw him three fastballs down the middle. I want to watch him hit a home run.”"
The David that Fernandez mentions is Boston Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz, who is making his tenth and final All-Star Game appearance, as he declared 2016 to be his final season. Fans across the world would surely love to see Ortiz hit a home run in his final appearance, but fans of NL teams in contention will be furious if Fernandez gives up an easy one.
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The All-Star Game has decided home-field advantage in the World Series since 2003, a year after the infamous tie in 2002.
Getting to start the World Series at home is a huge advantage, making every pitch in the All-Star Game just as important as one in a real playoff game.
Fernandez may have just been joking, but he will surely be talked to by the rest of his All-Star teammates about how important the game is for most of them. Considering the Chicago Cubs represent the entire NL starting infield, one soft fastball down the middle should be enough for a visit to the mound.
Fernandez’s comments aside, Ortiz is known for having a flair for the dramatic. After countless walk-off hits in the regular season and the playoffs, it would come as a surprise to few if he were to drive in a few runs, no matter who is pitching.
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These comments will only matter if Fernandez does indeed face Ortiz, but they may also seal his fate and keep him out of the game until Ortiz is replaced during the game.