The Pittsburgh Pirates are well out of any playoff opportunity going into the All-Star Break.
But there are a few things to root for during the events in Atlanta over the next few days…Paul Skenes makes history as the first pitcher to start back-to-back All-Star Games to start a career.
And, on Monday night, Oneil Cruz will look to show off his power in the home run derby.
Most Pirates fans will be rooting for Cruz, despite his ups and downs throughout his career.
Cruz is batting .212 at the All-Star Break and has the lowest number of home runs out of all the competitors in Monday’s derby with 16.
But the potential with Cruz is always there. He hits the ball harder than anyone and the batting practice-style pitching he’ll see on Monday night could lead for a lot of impressive home runs.
The PM Team’s Andrew Fillipponi doesn’t want Cruz to do well.
“I don’t want him to have this moment, I’m not pulling for him,” said Poni. “He’s not someone I want to see get the million-dollar payday and get the accolades of winning baseball’s annual slugfest.”
Poni says Cruz should be entering into his prime as a star.
“He has the talent to be one of the best players in the entire sport,” said Fillipponi. “He should be the Pirates best hitter right now. Not a 38-year-old Andrew McCutchen.”
Joe Starkey reacted to Poni’s take on Monday and said he wants Cruz to win the derby.
“To win it would be a huge, maybe, confidence boost for him, to be on a national stage like that, I think it could be helpful.