Email a copy of 'AL Central Notes: Martinez, Hughes, Anderson, Royals' to a friend
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By Steve Adams | at
Email a copy of 'AL Central Notes: Martinez, Hughes, Anderson, Royals' to a friend
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Dock_Elvis
Interesting article on Martinez. I wonder if he was aware his language would be quoted. That’d be an excellent way to not get a second interview.
grandplatinum
I would rather him give the interview like he talks in real life then have him censoring himself.
Dock_Elvis
I agree, as long as there’s no ethical breach as far as what’s on the record and what isn’t. That’s part of an education in journalism….sites arent always staffed with those with that background….a slip up could happen. Many players guard their public appearance….leads to some boring interviews of course. I was interviewed a few times in baseball….each time the writer clipped my quotes and pasted them together to change what was actually said…it was aggravating.
Aoe3
Good info, but I believe Josh Donaldson is a poor example of an extreme flyball hitter. Ive seen plenty of low singles/gap doubles last couple years. Chris Davis from the Os, watch his swing and u can clearly see him trying to elevate the ball.
zwmartin
A good way to look for a guy trying to elevate is a guy striding open, like Josh. He is looking to elevate. He’s just got a really level looking swing. But he’s tilting his posture to create loft. And like Rizzo, depending on count or situation, they can look to stay more level through their swing.
66TheNumberOfTheBest
Having Travis Sawchik and Rob Biertempfel as a beat writing tandem was pretty nice. Hated to see him leave, even for Fangraphs.
zwmartin
The fly ball approach is for professional athletes. That style for mere mortals will result in a lot of fly balls, Ks, and roll over ground balls.
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
Not really it’s taught in college and high school. It’s quite effective if taught properly and athletes learn their swing. I think the difference in philosophy comes with approach. Part of the issue I’ve seen in athletes is their inability or unwillingness to make adjustments with 2 strikes or simple adjustments to the pitcher/arsenal.
The philosophy of the fly ball approach beyond the mechanical is matching plane with location. So you’re not necessarily trying to elevate every single pitch. Each coach has their own philosophy. The biggest disservice coaches can do to their athletes is not adapting to the times. A case and point is Standford’s obsession with pounding the ball in the ground. But then again like many things coaches at the lower levels who install bad habits is the hardest issue to overcome. Might be why I mostly never recruit high school OF’s.
zwmartin
No, you’re right. It sure is. (I coach semi-pro/college and a hitting coach to many many HS guys who went to college, some pros, etc.) I guess what I’m saying is when hitting coaches are trying to teach 5’9 guys to try to lift. Many middle order college guys can do it, no doubt, but when it’s a philosophy for everyone you coach, it’s a problem. Adjust to hitter, not the other way around.