I also love these swing changes. Not enough to give him the starting job at the beginning of the year, but enough that I'm more excited than ever to give him one last chance to figure it out. I especially love how much more balanced he is through the swing and follow-through now. I've been criticizing how seems to be falling out of the back of the box while swinging for well over a year now and its the biggest reason I couldn't see him ever figuring it out. If he can overcome years of muscle memory to make this swing work for a whole season and not sacrifice any power, I'd expect him to make more and better contact and finally become the hitter his athleticism and obvious power (did you see some of those balls he crushed while absolutely collapsing his whole body in the swing???) have given so many fans hope for
I think spring training will be an important proving ground for him. Not results, but a continued commitment to his process. Can he stay consistent? Will he tinker if he takes back-to-back 0-fers? If the can stay true to these changes I don’t have a problem with him starting. He will probably need to get consistent game reps to make sure these changes stick. He may need even need time in Triple-A if further refinements are needed.
Thanks, Terry. Agree on the balance. That looks like something he’s working on here. His swing last year was anything but balanced.
I also love these swing changes. Not enough to give him the starting job at the beginning of the year, but enough that I'm more excited than ever to give him one last chance to figure it out. I especially love how much more balanced he is through the swing and follow-through now. I've been criticizing how seems to be falling out of the back of the box while swinging for well over a year now and its the biggest reason I couldn't see him ever figuring it out. If he can overcome years of muscle memory to make this swing work for a whole season and not sacrifice any power, I'd expect him to make more and better contact and finally become the hitter his athleticism and obvious power (did you see some of those balls he crushed while absolutely collapsing his whole body in the swing???) have given so many fans hope for
Unfortunately the choices are so slim, the Royals may have to start him.
Yep. Not a lot of options currently. That could be a good thing for MJ though.
Honestly, I'd rather know if this worked or not sooner than later. That way we can do something midseason if needed.
I think spring training will be an important proving ground for him. Not results, but a continued commitment to his process. Can he stay consistent? Will he tinker if he takes back-to-back 0-fers? If the can stay true to these changes I don’t have a problem with him starting. He will probably need to get consistent game reps to make sure these changes stick. He may need even need time in Triple-A if further refinements are needed.
Here's to MJ with the highest of hopes that he can do what has always been projected. Give them 25 dingers a year and you will be a star!
Maybe not a star, but at this point I think we'd all celebrate improvement in the power department.
Great write-up, thank you. Echoing others, balance really seems to be the theme.
One other interesting piece I think I notice in new swing—a slight hip set just before leg lift, similar to BWJ?
Thanks, Danny. Maybe on Bobby? If I was going to emulate someone's swing mechanics, it would certainly be his.
Excellent analysis, you almost gave me hope for him. Then I remembered that it’s the hope that will kill you.