Opposite Field Hitting

[GormanHarvey]

I agree areacodes that the hitters maturing has as much to do with it as anything. I just get the sense that these guys can relate a lot more to Sveum that Skaalen and he has a way of getting through to them. And right or wrong, I don't think it is a stretch to think that Sveum probably didn't get to have a lot of say with the hitters unless particular players specifically searched out advice from Sveum or Skaalen went to Sveum for help. Otherwise I think you stick to your coaching title for the most part

[JenksFan5]

I have noticed a number of players laying off pitches that they were striking out on last year, Braun in particular on that borderline low and away slider. Hart has looked better on occasion as well, but still is susceptible to the low and away slider, but he is getting better as well. Maybe it is Sveum, and maybe it is maturity, but the trend is definitely a positive.

 

I am not too worried about Weeks OBP yet at this point because of the sample size, but he seems to be centering on the ball more often this season. He seems to have the most hard hit, hard luck outs of anyone on the team aside from Braun maybe. I know an out is an out and that Weeks still pops out and strikes out too much, but he has some hard luck when it comes to hard hit balls being put into play and being recorded as outs. You have to admit that he looks better at the plate and I think that that is due to his wrist being absolutely 100% more than anything else. Randolph/Sveum deserve some credit probably as well, but hopefully the trend can continue for Weeks.