We are one week away from August. How in the world did that happen? Well, at least that means we're getting to the trade deadline and the excitement of the late-season playoff push. It's something to keep our mind off this crazy summer heat, at least.
Now let's get to those trots!
Home Run of the Day: Chase Utley #2, Philadelphia Phillies – 19.63 seconds [video]
Not a whole lot to choose from among meaningful home runs on Saturday. In this same game, Ryan Howard hit a pinch-hit home run to tie the game up at four before the Phillies went on to take a commanding lead. Utley gets the Home Run of the Day, though, for his pair of blasts in the game. Gaby Sanchez also had two home runs Saturday.
Slowest Trot: Cameron Maybin, San Diego Padres – 26.93 seconds [video]
I have no idea what happened here. Maybin is typically a quick trotter. There was no confusion on whether this would be a home run or not (like, say, a ball down the line). He just moved a little slower than usual. The trot ended up "besting" Yadier Molina's 26.56 second trot (which was affected by a fair/foul situation) and Lance Berkman's 25.09 second trot.
Quickest Trot: Marlon Byrd, Chicago Cubs – 18.8 seconds [video]
Byrd is still (understandably) wearing his cheek protector at the plate, so he looks that much cooler when rounding the bases. He looked particularly excited on this trot, wearing a big smile as he finished his tater trot. I'm still disappointed that he's forced to slow down at home plate because of where the Cubs dugout is, but there's not a whole lot we can do about that.
All of Today's Trots Cameron Maybin....26.93 Ryan Braun........21.72 Yadier Molina.....26.56 Troy Tulowitzki...20.98 Lance Berkman.....25.09 Lucas Duda........20.94 J.P. Arencibia....25 Chase Utley #1....20.9 Miguel Montero....24.02 Ryan Howard.......20.67 Josh Willingham...23.65 Hideki Matsui.....20.55 Justin Upton......23.62 Danny Valencia....20.41 Geovany Soto......23.32 Chase Headley.....20.41 Michael Martinez..23.2 Logan Morrison....20.11 Nick Swisher......22.93 Chase Utley #2....19.63 Vernon Wells......22.09 Adam Jones........19.43 Gaby Sanchez #2...22.02 Mike Carp.........19.2 Jose Reyes........21.94 Marlon Byrd.......18.8 Gaby Sanchez #1...21.74
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