Home Run Derby just not Springer’s thing
Count out Astros outfielder George Springer for next month’s Home Run Derby at Miami’s Marlins Park.
His stance hasn’t changed from last year, when he respectfully declined when a players’ association representative reached out to gauge his interest in participating.
“Still the same,” Springer said Friday. “I’m just not a fan of it. I don’t like it. I’m not a Home Run Derby guy. I’m not going to do it.”
Springer came into Friday tied for third in the American League with 18 home runs, having hit fewer than only the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge (22) and the Tampa Bay Rays’ Logan Morrison (19).
The Astros’ leadoff man also accounts for the fourth-longest homer hit in the majors this season — his 473-foot blast on May 31 at Minnesota’s Target Field. But the answer is still a no. “I’m good,” said Springer, who explained last year he never fared too well in home run derbies as a minor leaguer. “It’s not my thing.”
Springer called it an honor to hear his name floated around as a potential participant, but that “there’s a lot of other guys who can go out there and put on a show, and I’ll just watch it.”
Who would Springer like to see participate?
“Oh, Judge. Judge, for sure,” he said. “I want to see Judge and (the Texas Rangers third baseman Joey) Gallo go head to head. That would be cool. I mean, (Gallo) just hit one over the hitter’s eye the other day (at Minute Maid Park). I want to see Judge and Gallo.”
Hinch loves hiring of Esquer by Stanford
By the time he met with reporters, Astros manager and Stanford University alum A.J.
Hinch had already called to congratulate Dave Esquer, hired Friday as Stanford’s new baseball coach. Esquer succeeds Mark
Marquess, who retired after 41 seasons. Hinch, who according to a San Francisco Chronicle report in April was atop Stanford’s wish list for the job, played under Esquer when Esquer was Stanford’s hitting coach. Esquer spent the last 18 seasons coaching at Cal.
“I love it. I love Dave Esquer,” Hinch said. “He was a coach of mine when I was at Stanford. I didn’t love when he went to Cal, but that’s out of rivalry, not out of spite. But I think he’s a tremendous man that can impact our players there. To stay in the family, someone who has Stanford history, Stanford blood, great man of high integrity, high character, (he’s) a great choice.”
Hinch and Esquer have stayed in touch since Hinch graduated from Stanford in 1996. He said Esquer probably will come out to Oakland’s Coliseum when the Astros are there to play the Athletics next week.
Esquer played shortstop at Stanford from 1984-87 and served as an assistant coach under Marquess from 1991-96. He led Cal to five NCAA regionals and was selected as the National Coach of the Year in 2011, a year the Bears appeared in the College World Series.
Odds and ends
Dallas Keuchel (neck discomfort) thinks he will resume throwing this weekend. Once he progresses in his throwing program, he doesn’t think he will necessarily require a minor league rehab assignment.
“I’m in the mood not to waste bullets,” he said. “If I feel good, I feel good. Maybe a live (batting practice) or something.” …
Righthander Charlie Morton (lat strain) threw a more extensive bullpen session Friday as he progresses toward facing hitters in either a live BP setting or on a short rehab assignment. …
Collin McHugh (elbow impingement) also threw a bullpen session Friday. His next step could be facing hitters in a live BP session. He figures to need at least two live BP sessions before progressing to the first start of a rehab assignment that will span several outings. He’s still not expected back until after next month’s All-Star break. …
Veteran slugger Carlos Beltran will host “A Night in Old San Juan” on Aug. 20 at the Four Seasons in Houston to raise money for scholarships for local students and benefit the Carlos Beltran Foundation, which promotes health, fitness and education for children from lower income families. …
Tony DeFrancesco, manager of the Astros’ Class AAA Fresno affiliate, will manage the Pacific Coast League All-Stars in the Class AAA All-Star Game on July 12.