Junior Caminero walked into Citizens Bank Park on Monday with the second-best odds on the board and a very clear head. The Tampa Bay Rays third baseman finished runner-up to Cal Raleigh in last year’s Home Run Derby and now he’s back in Philadelphia with a different approach.
“We’ve gotta go there and have fun,” Caminero said. “But we’ve gotta go there and win it.”
He said that to Ryan Bass on Sunday and it’s the kind of casual confidence you want to hear from a guy who’s been crushing baseballs for two months straight. Since the start of June, Caminero has hit 15 home runs. He’s not slowing down and he’s not overthinking this thing.
“We’ve got to not think a lot. Just swing like regular BP,” Caminero added. “Now with the new format, you have more time to reset the swing.”
That new format is the key here. MLB changed the rules this year to give hitters more time between pitches. No more frantic sprint against a buzzer. Guys get to reset, breathe, and swing again. For someone like Caminero who thrives on rhythm, that’s a real advantage.
Two Phillies sluggers stand in his way
Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper are the hometown heroes in this thing. Philadelphia fans are already dreaming about a final round featuring both of them. But Caminero isn’t here to be a supporting character in someone else’s story.
The field is stacked with eight guys who can win on any given night. But Caminero has the power to put up a monster first round if he gets comfortable early. He’s not afraid of the crowd or the moment. He’s been here before.
There’s no guarantee he beats Schwarber or Harper. But if you watch the way he’s swinging right now, it’s hard to bet against him. He’s got the confidence. He’s got the power. And now he’s got a format that actually lets him breathe between swings.
Don’t be surprised if he walks away with the trophy.
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