Levine: Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo Get Manager's Blessing For Home Run Derby
By Bruce Levine--
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The coolest moment that can happen to a young ballplayer is to see fantasy turn into reality. Such is the case for 25-year-old Anthony Rizzo and 23-year-old Kris Bryant.
Both Cubs infielders have been chosen to participate in the Home Run Derby on Monday night at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, a night before the 86th MLB All-Star Game in which they've been selected as National League reserves.
Making his second straight All-Star squad, Rizzo was excited about the chance to be a part of the Derby for the first time.
"You really do think about participating in the All-Star Game, World Series and Home Run Derby when you are a kid," he said. "It is way cool to be involved, and Kris and I are going to enjoy being a part of it."
Concerned with his players' mental and physical health, Cubs manager Joe Maddon would rather his players get the time off during the break. The extra wear and tear on his primary power hitters causes him some pause.
"I prefer they both win," Maddon said of the Derby. "I don't know all the new rules, but it is being governed not to be as lengthy. That means less (stress) going on. I think that is a good idea."
This season, the Derby features a bracket-style single-elimination competition between eight players. There are no longer "outs" to be tracked; players simply have five minutes to hit as many homers as they can, with the possibility of bonus time for reaching certain long distances.
Maddon had stated Tuesday that he preferred his players not be involved in the exhausting exhibition. He had softened that stance by Wednesday.
"It's their decision," he said. "We talk as much as we want to about it. Part of it is for the betterment of Major League Baseball. This has been a big part of generating interest in the game. We have two kids that create a lot of interest. More than anything, I hope they do it properly. I mean just doing enough. I think they will handle it right."
Bryant was excited when he talked about his first All-Star event. He will have his dad, Mike, pitching to him in the Derby.
"My dad was very excited," he said. "I think he is more excited about the Home Run Derby than the game."
The affable Bryant has had a terrific first half, and the fear for some is swinging for home runs may alter his approach.
"Not at all," Bryant said about any concerns. "If you talk to any baseball player, they will tell you they all try to hit homers in BP. This will be no different. For me my swing has a slight upper cut, so I won't change a thing … just swing a little harder."
The last Cubs participant in the Home Run Derby was Sammy Sosa in 2004.
Both Rizzo and Bryant will be cheering for each other, but there are no side bets they are owning up to.
"No bet," Bryant said. "We are just going there to have fun. I think he has a pretty good chance of winning. Cincinnati is a good hitter's park. I get to watch him every day in BP. He is pretty special. Hopefully I will win it. If he wins, that would be great as well."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
