Cincinnati Reds: Could Michael Lorenzen be in the Home Run Derby?

Now, I know it’s far-fetched, but how cool would it be to see Cincinnati Reds pitcher Michael Lorenzen in the Home Run Derby?

Now, it’s highly unlikely and a little odd, but how cool would it be to see Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Michael Lorenzen participate in the Home Run Derby during All-Star Weekend in Washington, DC?

Michael Lorenzen has caught the attention of several fans and media of late with his back-to-back batting performances against the Milwaukee Brewers during a 4-game series at Great American Ball Park. Lorenzen sent a solo shot out of the ballpark on Friday night and followed it up with a pinch-hit grand slam on Saturday.

Each of Lorenzen’s last 3 at-bats has resulted in the young reliever sending it over the fence. Over his career, Lorenzen has 5 total home runs. In addition to his three during this season, he hit one in 2016 and another last year as well.

Why would we want to see a pitcher in the HR Derby?

Is that even a question? The Home Run Derby, for decades, has been dominated by big name hitters who typically blast 4o-plus home runs per season. Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and former Red, Todd Frazier won the last three Home Run Derbys.

Judge finished last season with a rookie record 52 home runs. Stanton, whom the Yankees traded for in the offseason, had 59 last year. The ‘Toddfather’ had 35 himself the year he took home the trophy.

With all the talk recently of making a universal designated and eliminating the pitchers responsibility to bat, wouldn’t it be poetic justice to see a pitcher step up to the plate under the lights of All-Star weekend and send several balls over the left field fence?

Why wouldn’t we want to see Lorenzen participate?

Lorenzen is a pitcher by trade. So, while he serves as a great option for Jim Riggleman as a pinch hitter as well, it’s not like he participates in batting practice. Even if the opportunity arose, I’d be interested to hear the Reds perspective on one of their pitchers participating in the event itself.

There’s also the matter of Nationals Park not being as hitter-friendly as Great American Ball Park. While straight-away center field measures two feet shorter in DC, GABP is shorter down the lines. According to ESPN.com, when it comes to being a hitter-friendly ballpark, Great American ranks No. 8 and Nationals Park is No. 13.

Next: Harvey peaking as the trade deadline looms

While Michael Lorenzen participating in the Home Run Derby is not likely, it’s fun to think about. If not Lorenzen, maybe Eugenio Suarez or Scooter Gennett can give Reds fans someone to cheer for that evening.