Robby Cano out of the Home Run Derby...?

[browntown653]

OAKLAND -- A baseball official with knowledge of the situation told ESPNNewYork.com Wednesday afternoon that second baseman Robinson Cano is pulling out of Monday's Home Run Derby in Anaheim.

But, apparently, the New York Yankees All-Star didn't get the memo.

Prior to the Yankees' game against the A's, Cano, who was left out of the starting lineup, said he has not made any decision about the Derby and was unaware that he would not be participating.

"I haven't made any decision," Cano said.

Cano had accepted the invitation Tuesday, but left open the possibility he might not participate. Both Yankees manager Joe Girardi and hitting coach Kevin Long opposed the idea of his participation.

Cano added he has a little back pain, but did not think it was anything major.

Although Girardi said on Tuesday it would be Cano's decision, Cano said he hadn't heard from anyone from the Yankees.

Minutes later, Girardi confirmed Cano is out of the Derby.

"It is my understanding he is not going to participate," Girardi said.

Truthfully, I think everyone makes too much of a big deal about the Derby messing up a player's swing. There are guys who have fallen off like Abreu and guys who have hit for more power like Fielder last year - I don't see any strong statistical evidence. So I would have liked to see Cano give it a shot...oh well. I'm still pulling for one appearance from Ichiro.

[Kingdom]

I'm still pulling for Adam Dunn and Joey Votto in the other league. My guess, if he hasn't turned it down, is Torii Hunter in his home park.. they always seem to give in.

[missionhockey21]

Aren't many of the derby participants the same ones who in batting practice will try to hit moon shots and send balls out of the park? I too don't buy the fact that MOST derby hitters, who practice their swing nearly as often as they breathe could so easily lose their mechanics or distort them after one night and a few days of preparation. Not that it doesn't happen, just that it doesn't happen often at least with their core mechanics.

[DirtyKash]

I read that Cano is in the Derby, then he pulled out, and then he's back in. Which is it?

[Tobywan]

LAst I read he's out, been getting treatment for a bad back this week.

[browntown653]

It seems like he's out. Any minor injury is enough to send the Yankees worrying about something like this.