Defending champ Morneau skipping HR Derby
Twins slugger says he wants to rest, simply watch competition
 Chris Mcgrath / Getty Images Justin Morneau hits a ball during the 2008 Home Run Derby. |
 | Video: Baseball from NBC Sports |
 Damon: "We'll have to wait and see" Nov. 24: Free agent Johnny Damon says that he'd like to stay with the Yankees, but he's willing to listen to any team and will have to wait and see how it shakes out. |
updated 1:41 p.m. ET July 8, 2009
MINNEAPOLIS - There will be a new champion crowned at the home run derby this year.
Minnesota Twins slugger Justin Morneau says he has declined an invitation to participate in the popular All-Star Game event, which will be held Monday in St. Louis. He says he wants to rest and would prefer to watch.
Morneau won last year’s competition at Yankee Stadium, but that was overshadowed by Josh Hamilton’s record 28 homers in the first round. The Rangers’ outfielder tired as the event dragged on and Morneau outlasted him 5-3 in the finals.
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire says he is happy to hear Morneau will be sitting this one out.
Hamilton isn’t going to participate, either, at the request of his manager.
© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
LowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM BASEBALL |
 Baseball Section Front |
| Add Baseball headlines to your news reader: |
Sponsored links