Marlins slugger Stanton flashing star power

The Marlins' slugger is one of the strongest players in the game. He flexed his might again with his grand slam off Colorado's Jamie Moyer on Monday night.

The laser to left was estimated at 438 feet, and it knocked out some light panels in the auxiliary scoreboard in left field.

Stanton now has nine home runs, including eight in May.

The Marlins see Stanton clobber the ball over the wall on a daily basis during batting practice.

How would Stanton do on the national stage, like being a participant in the Home Run Derby during the All-Star break?

Players don't necessarily have to be picked to the All-Star team to compete in the Derby.

"That's up to him," Miami manager Ozzie Guillen said. "I don't see anybody who has more power than him in the big leagues. Nobody. I have all the respect for Jim Thome. I've seen Jim Thome hit. But this kid is out of control. He's out of hand. This kid has legit power."

Stanton is building an All-Star argument, with his nine home runs and 28 RBIs. But the National League has plenty of competition for outfield spots. Carlos Beltran (13), Ryan Braun (12), Matt Kemp (12), Jay Bruce (10) and Hunter Pence (10) have more home runs.

But none of them have broken a scoreboard.

Stanton is enjoying the attention.

"Why not?" he said. "You're not going to hide from doing something well, and helping the team win, and bringing commotion and attention to us playing well."

Stanton also has joined elite company. He is one of four players to have four grand slams before the age of 23. Ted Williams, Eddie Matthews and Ken Griffey Jr. are the others.

"That's good company," Stanton said. "Maybe I'll get five before 23."