Many commentators don’t see this as a new season, but as an extension of last season as the hitting issues are largely the same as last year’s. Re: changes to hitting coaches, they sent 1 coach (Dave Hudgens) down to AAA and they promoted Don Mattingly from bench coach to offensive coordinator.
I think either Blair or Barker mentioned this. Hitters who’ve just joined the Jays seem to perform pretty well compared to hitters who’ve been with the organization a while. Top 3 hitters by OPS+ ranked 1, 2, 3 (min 2 plate appearances per team games played):
2024: Davis Schneider, Justin Turner, Daulton Varsho (who was ice cold until he started working with his ex-MLB dad this season)
2023: Brandon Belt, Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Jays hitters suffer from two much information, which as Barker points out may be even more unhelpful when you’re already struggling (and prone to over-thinking). (We also know Vladdy is calling all sorts of hitting coaches outside of the organization; Bo’s been working with his ex-MLB dad lately.)
Watching the Phillies last night was something. They seem to have a simpler, see ball-hit ball approach. They pull soft, they push hard to the opposite field. Rough outing for Berríos.
Agreed, it’s like golf, if you’re into that. If you’re thinking about 1000 different mechanical things, you’ll never have a nice swing. If you just make one fluid motion using your entire body for power, it turns out pretty well.
I think you’re onto something.
Many commentators don’t see this as a new season, but as an extension of last season as the hitting issues are largely the same as last year’s. Re: changes to hitting coaches, they sent 1 coach (Dave Hudgens) down to AAA and they promoted Don Mattingly from bench coach to offensive coordinator.
I think either Blair or Barker mentioned this. Hitters who’ve just joined the Jays seem to perform pretty well compared to hitters who’ve been with the organization a while. Top 3 hitters by OPS+ ranked 1, 2, 3 (min 2 plate appearances per team games played): 2024: Davis Schneider, Justin Turner, Daulton Varsho (who was ice cold until he started working with his ex-MLB dad this season) 2023: Brandon Belt, Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero Jr
I wouldn’t be surprised if the Jays hitters suffer from two much information, which as Barker points out may be even more unhelpful when you’re already struggling (and prone to over-thinking). (We also know Vladdy is calling all sorts of hitting coaches outside of the organization; Bo’s been working with his ex-MLB dad lately.)
Watching the Phillies last night was something. They seem to have a simpler, see ball-hit ball approach. They pull soft, they push hard to the opposite field. Rough outing for Berríos.
Agreed, it’s like golf, if you’re into that. If you’re thinking about 1000 different mechanical things, you’ll never have a nice swing. If you just make one fluid motion using your entire body for power, it turns out pretty well.