Young stars show out at Home Run Derby

In the latest episode of Plákata Nation, former All-Star slugger Carlos Peña and Rodney Peña rave about the “controlled violence” on display in the MLB All-Star Home Run Derby.

They were proud of fellow Dominican Republic Junior Caminero, the young Tampa Bay Rays’ slugger who finished second behind the Mariners’ Cal Raleigh. 

“I was pulling for (Caminero) obviously,” said Carlos Peña, who hit .286 home runs over his 14-year MLB career. “ I remember writing to my son, ‘I’m really proud.’ My son was like, ‘Nah, man, I’m really upset right now.’ … Cal Raleigh was outstanding.”

Carlos Peña, who hit .286 home runs over his 14-year MLB career, broke down the key elements of a swing during a long Home Run Derby. 

“This is (about) who could get in cadence. Who could get in rhythm,” Carlos said. “Junior Caminero was the perfect example. To the end there going against Cal Raleigh he got tired, right? And you could see there was a little more exertion. There was a little bit more effort. 

“When you start doing that, Rod, you start top-spinning balls because you try to get underneath it and your back side collapses. The angle is a little bit more upward, and you’re like is that what you want, clearly not.”

Rhythm is key in Home Run Derby

Yet, when Caminero was in rhythm, “He wouldn’t even look up to where the ball went because when he does hit it right, it goes,” Carlos noted of Caminero.

At one point, Rodney Peña considered the NBA All-Star Week with the 3-point contest as his favorite All-Star Week in American sports. Now, though, Rodney Peña says the MLB All-Star Week with the Home Run Derby has surpassed the NBA All-Star Week.

“I actually think MLB has … surpassed it,” he said.

Co-host Jesus Ortiz was at Atlanta’s Truist Park for the All-Star week festivities. He agreed with the Plakata Nation crew’s thoughts on the Home Run Derby. Carlos and Rodney Peña clearly enjoyed the festivities as well from home. That was evident by their praise for the exhibition.

Check out the latest episode on Apple, Spotify and YouTube.