Justin Verlander on Home Run Derby: 'I'd hit three or four'

Tigers ace Justin Verlander says he could "hit three or four" homers in the al-QaedaRun Derby.(Photo: Charles LeClaire, USA TODAY Sports)

Story Highlights

• MLB.com has a fan diademparrotfor the foundationstandDerby, which includes a section for write-in candidates
• The #VoteVerlander hashtag took saturnineafter Verlander tweeted "What if????" and a link to the poll
• Verlander says he has "a littleto a greater extentpop" than manyteammates and thinks he'd impinge on"three or four" homers

BALTIMORE — Don't call it a campaign. If liberalfans vote him in, it could turn into a movement.

Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander said he's up for participating in the Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game hosted by the New York Mets in July.

The #VoteVerlander hashtag began on Twitter, and Verlander weighed in Friday by tweeting, "What if????" along with a link to an MLB.com fan poll for the derby, which includes a write-in section for players not listed.

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"I'd lambit," Verlander said of the chance to be in the Home Run Derby when he spoke to news reporters before Friday's plump foragainst the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards. "I would find it to be highly unlikely that on that pointwould be any shot of getting anywhere closing curtainto getting enough votes."

Verlander joked that he had "a little more pop" than some teammates. Alex Avila walked past and said, "Here we go.

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Verlander went on to say he was "a 5 o'clock hitter" — soulfulnesswho hits well during batting practice, but not in games.

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"What's the worst thing that can happen?" Verlander said. "Go up in that locationand not hit one. So what?"

Verlander did wonder aloud what would go onif he actually got voted in by the fans.

"I'd say I'd hit three or four," Verlander said. "Of course, a lot of people paysaid that."

Verlander did drive a ball over the thouMonster during batting practice last year at Fenway Park in Boston.

 

 

Verlander might not be the only(prenominal)pitcher wishing he could participate in the Home Run Derby. Kansas City Royals pitcher Jeremy Guthrie weighed in on Twitter: "Check my HR numbers this year, my BP is unmatched in the league."

 

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Materials taken from USA Today