GDT 6/13/22: Braves @ Gnats - Time To Swat Some Bugs

[Slippyjms]

Acuña RF
Swanson SS
Riley 3B
Olson 1B
Albies 2B
d’Arnaud C
Ozuna DH
Duvall LF
Harris ll CF

Anderson P

[Hulavol]

I was gonna post the GDT a little while ago, and thought better of it - Slippy has come back blazing hot from his rehab….

That typed, tonight is the night for Harris II to get the first MLB homer.

[Heyward]

Think the streak ends tonight unfortunately.

[jpx7]

Tough to not see Contreras' name in there.

Braves need to figure out what to do with Ozuna, or Ozuna needs to figure out what he's doing at the plate. His batted-ball metrics aren't terrible, and he's definitely underperforming them (.269 xBA, .530 xSLG, .351 xwoba vs .285 woba); nevertheless, his average EV is down almost 5 mph from 2020, and his walk rate had dropped by almost two-thirds (14.2 to 5.3 BB%). Those are concerning trends; and, even if 2020 was a career-year, he walked a lot more and hit the ball a lot harder in all the seasons preceding 2020, as well.

[Slippyjms]

Tough to not see Contreras' name in there.

Braves need to figure out what to do with Ozuna, or Ozuna needs to figure out what he's doing at the plate. His batted-ball metrics aren't terrible, and he's definitely underperforming them (.269 xBA, .530 xSLG, .351 xwoba vs .285 woba); nevertheless, his average EV is down almost 5 mph from 2020, and his walk rate had dropped by almost two-thirds (14.2 to 5.3 BB%). Those are concerning trends; and, even if 2020 was a career-year, he walked a lot more and hit the ball a lot harder in all the seasons preceding 2020, as well.

I think what to do with Ozuna is pretty clear ATM. d’Arnaud should get 4-5 starts a week at C and Contreras should get 5-6 between C and DH. That should leave about 3 starts a week at DH for Ozuna.

[Hulavol]

Ozuna is going to rake at some point… just like Duvall and Olson and Dansby before them. Back of his baseball card says so. He’s relatively still too young and too talented to just suddenly fall off of the Dale Murphy cliff.

[msstate7]

Tough to not see Contreras' name in there.

Braves need to figure out what to do with Ozuna, or Ozuna needs to figure out what he's doing at the plate. His batted-ball metrics aren't terrible, and he's definitely underperforming them (.269 xBA, .530 xSLG, .351 xwoba vs .285 woba); nevertheless, his average EV is down almost 5 mph from 2020, and his walk rate had dropped by almost two-thirds (14.2 to 5.3 BB%). Those are concerning trends; and, even if 2020 was a career-year, he walked a lot more and hit the ball a lot harder in all the seasons preceding 2020, as well.

Compare the same stats for Olson...
.251 BA, .262 xBA
.459 slugging, .450 xSLG
.353 wOBA, .352 xwoba

If we aren't worried about Olson, we shouldn't be worried about ozuna imo considering ozuna has basically the same xStats

[Garmel]

1536458170729697281

[Slippyjms]

Ozuna is going to rake at some point… just like Duvall and Olson and Dansby before them. Back of his baseball card says so. He’s relatively still too young and too talented to just suddenly fall off of the Dale Murphy cliff.


Compare the same stats for Olson...
.251 BA, .262 xBA
.459 slugging, .450 xSLG
.353 wOBA, .352 xwoba

If we aren't worried about Olson, we shouldn't be worried about ozuna imo considering ozuna has basically the same xStats

The difference between Duvall Olson and Swanson vs Ozuna is that they can actually catch the ball.

[msstate7]

The difference between Duvall Olson and Swanson vs Ozuna is that they can actually catch the ball.

The plan was always for ozuna to DH this season. The huge difference in wOBA and xwoba is basically a mirror image of soler last year at the break. Fortunately for us, I'm sure AA put a lot of weight in this stat difference.

[Mad Dog Murph]

The difference between Duvall Olson and Swanson vs Ozuna is that they can actually catch the ball.

He can catch, but he throws like this

https://media.giphy.com/media/l0MYH85euOhjP1dfy/giphy.gif

[chop2chip]

Compare the same stats for Olson...
.251 BA, .262 xBA
.459 slugging, .450 xSLG
.353 wOBA, .352 xwoba

If we aren't worried about Olson, we shouldn't be worried about ozuna imo considering ozuna has basically the same xStats

There is plenty to worry about Ozuna the hitter. With 2020 as an important exception, Ozuna’s results don’t align with the hard hit data. Whether it’s speed, top spin, etc., there is a pattern of underperformance. On top of that, his exit velocities are down almost 5 MPH from 2020. His line drive % has cratered 10 points. Players who are slow that hit ground balls and fly balls with average exit velocities, aren’t going to perform well.

If Olson remained a .350 wOBA player, that would be a disappointment. But his underlying metrics are excellent (elite exit velocity, barrel, chase rate, etc). The only difference is he’s hitting more line drives and less fly balls (less singles/doubles, more home runs)

[msstate7]

There is plenty to worry about Ozuna the hitter. With 2020 as an important exception, Ozuna’s results don’t align with the hard hit data. Whether it’s speed, top spin, etc., there is a pattern of underperformance. On top of that, his exit velocities are down almost 5 MPH from 2020. His line drive % has cratered 10 points. Players who are slow that hit ground balls and fly balls with average exit velocities, aren’t going to perform well.

If Olson remained a .350 wOBA player, that would be a disappointment. But his underlying metrics are excellent (elite exit velocity, barrel, chase rate, etc). The only difference is he’s hitting more line drives and less fly balls (less singles/doubles, more home runs)

Zips, steamer, FGDC, The Bat, and The Batx all have him at .328 wOBA (currently .285) and 108 wRC+ (currently 80). They think he's gonna rebound, and so do i. Guess we'll see if y'all right or not

[chop2chip]

Zips, steamer, FGDC, The Bat, and The Batx all have him at .328 wOBA (currently .285) and 108 wRC+ (currently 80). They think he's gonna rebound, and so do i. Guess we'll see if y'all right or not

He’s a career 111 wRC+, so there is room for improvement. Keep in mind, these systems will almost always predict players will play to their career averages because it’s the best predictor for future performance for most players.

But the comparison you painted was “if you aren’t worried about Olson, then you can’t be worried Ozuna” (paraphrase). That comparison is mularkey.

[Mad Dog Murph]

I hate playing the nationals. F’ing blackouts in NC.

Joe said on radio a pop up storm and the tarp is on the field. Should be a short delay they say

[msstate7]

I hate playing the nationals. F’ing blackouts in NC.

Joe said on radio a pop up storm and the tarp is on the field. Should be a short delay they say

Chips just said up to 1:45 mins, I think... maybe :45 mins to an hour

[mfree80]

Chip said on TV a bigger storm in 45min, so maybe 1:45.

[Mad Dog Murph]

Whoever these clowns are on the local Atlanta station during the break, they are the worst.

[msstate7]

Got an update?

[Mad Dog Murph]

Got an update?

Nope. Stopped listening, my ears were starting to bleed.

[Mad Dog Murph]

Radio just said 8:35 first pitch

[msstate7]

Radio just said 8:35 first pitch

Thanks

[TURBO]

Gray scratched?

[msstate7]

Come on Olson

[Mad Dog Murph]

TDA bomb

[chop2chip]

It’s conceptually impossible for the Braves to have bad catchers.

[chop2chip]

Harris reminds me so much of Nick Markakis.

[thewupk]

Harris reminds me so much of Nick Markakis.

The American Markakis

[thewupk]

giving away easy runs

[thewupk]

All-Star Swanson

[TURBO]

Harris reminds me so much of Nick Markakis.

He needs offseason workouts?

[Mad Dog Murph]

giving away easy runs

Liar

[CyYoung31]

We’re BABIP’ing all over the place.

[chop2chip]

All-Star Swanson
Jeter comps were real

[thewupk]

We’re BABIP’ing all over the place.

That's what she said

[CyYoung31]

It’s conceptually impossible for the Braves to have bad catchers.

You must have missed the middle of 2021.

But, you’re right. The Braves have fielded multiple All-Star catchers every decade of their existence. (Okay, that’s probably not accurate.)

[msstate7]

Harris reminds me so much of Nick Markakis.

A fast markakis in cF would be great

[CyYoung31]

You must have missed the middle of 2021.

But, you’re right. The Braves have fielded multiple All-Star catchers every decade of their existence. (Okay, that’s probably not accurate.)

Just researched it. The Braves have been represented by a catcher at the ASG multiple times in every decade since the 1940’s. The ASG started in the 30’s.

We’re to catchers what the Pittsburgh Steelers are to wide receivers.

[msstate7]

That was a nasty pitch to get Olson

[jsebe10]

Tuning in late…why was Gray scratched??

[msstate7]

Tuning in late…why was Gray scratched??

He was scared

[TURBO]

This is fun

[The Chosen One]

Time to turn it over to the NBA finals.

[msstate7]

Atta boy, ozuna

[jsebe10]

He was scared

Pussy!

[jsebe10]

This is fun

Especially when you can just cut that MFer off and go to bed at decent time lol

[The Chosen One]

Michael Harris is the talisman.

[Mad Dog Murph]

Oh yea. If Ozuna and Duval wake up we’ll be in first by the end of the month. (Half sarcasm). But what a scary lineup if they’re all hitting up to standard

[UNCBlue012]

This is a damn good squad

[msstate7]

I expect Olson, albies, ozuna, and duvall (already there) to really get going this month

[msstate7]

Michael Harris is the talisman.

Great book

[TURBO]

Michael Harris is the talisman.

https://annexbaseballblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/constanza_licks_bat.jpg

[thewupk]

Duvall trying to be NL Player of the Month

[msstate7]

What was the EV on ozuna's hits?

[Mad Dog Murph]

Mets watching on their off day


https://media.giphy.com/media/kBI5aLB6wlw4zNnecN/giphy.gif

[CyYoung31]

You must have missed the middle of 2021.

But, you’re right. The Braves have fielded multiple All-Star catchers every decade of their existence. (Okay, that’s probably not accurate.)

Actually, only one in the 70’s. Number of times sending a catcher to the ASG by decade:

‘40’s: (x4)
‘50’s: (x7)
‘60’s: (x6)
‘70’s: (x1)
‘80’s: (x3)
‘90’s: (x3)
‘00’s: (x5) (3 different catchers!)
‘10’s: (x3)

[chop2chip]

Surprised ump didn’t call strike on the first pitch to swanson

[msstate7]

Good rip

[jsebe10]

Up 6 runs…walking anyone is inexcusable. Pound the fckn zone.

[bravesfanforlife88]

Albies hurt, FML

Can Contreras play 2B?

[CyYoung31]

Non-contact injury. Not good. Hopefully he just rolled his ankle or something.

[UNCBlue012]

I hope that injury to Ozzie is just a sprain

[TURBO]

Every time with Anderson

[UNCBlue012]

Ian is horrendous right now

[CyYoung31]

This has take an ominous turn.

[msstate7]

This has take an ominous turn.

I figure the braves will win, but this would be how they'd end a long winning streak

[atl717]

Anderson isn’t good anymore. He’s lost a little on his fastball, and that separation has narrowed between that and his changeup. So the strikeouts are no longer balancing out the walk issues.

We feared this was going to happen with Ian never having a good breaking pitch and relying heavily on deception.

[msstate7]

Ian gotta go

[TURBO]

This game about to get out of hannd

[UNCBlue012]

Jesus, Ian. You idiot. Take your outs against these scrub hitters

[thewupk]

Braves need another starter

[CyYoung31]

WHY IS HE LEAVING ANDERSON IN TO FACE SOTO???

[jsebe10]

Left him in too long.

[UNCBlue012]

Pull him Snit. Ian isn’t serious tonight. Dumbass

[TURBO]

Bad managing again

[Hudson2]

Yeah Ian is toast get him out

[msstate7]

Saved the lhp for their rhh. Nice, snit

[jsebe10]

Cruz about to tie the game up.

Anderson would **** up a wet dream.

[CyYoung31]

Let’s Anderson face Soto only to remove him the very next batter. Make it make sense.

[msstate7]

Let’s Anderson face Soto only to remove him the very next batter. Make it make sense.

Trying to let him get a win. Nice to see individual stats trump team wins

[jsebe10]

There ain’t no getting out of this…

[CyYoung31]

Saved the lhp for their rhh. Nice, snit

The fact that this nimrod won a World Series tells you all you need to know about the value of a manager.

[drewdat]

Sucks that we aren't allowed to use our best reliever since it's the 5th inning. Hopefully MLB changes that rule next year.

[jsebe10]

LMAO! Why groove him a fastball right down the dick?

[CyYoung31]

It’s over.

[msstate7]

That was a nice play

[jsebe10]

No secret who the weak link is when Soroka comes back.

[msstate7]

Anyone still think snit was running things in the playoffs last year? Remember "snit" pulling Ian vs dodgers?

[msstate7]

No secret who the weak link is when Soroka comes back.

He's just a 2-time-through guy. He's pretty effective if uses right. Snit just refuses to pull him 3rd time through

[CyYoung31]

What a ****ing throw.

[Enscheff]

This game got uncomfortably close quickly

[The Chosen One]

Anyone still think snit was running things in the playoffs last year? Remember "snit" pulling Ian vs dodgers?

my favorite Snit quote from that was “it had nothing to do with analytics. It was a feeling I had in my gut”

[msstate7]

my favorite Snit quote from that was “it had nothing to do with analytics. It was a feeling I had in my gut”

Lol, yeah snit

[msstate7]

Pretty nice job by lee

[CyYoung31]

Pretty ominous that three of the hits that inning were hit towards 2B.

[chop2chip]

Nice work from Lee holding the lead. That could have gone sideward quickly

[jsebe10]

He's just a 2-time-through guy. He's pretty effective if uses right. Snit just refuses to pull him 3rd time through

Well we don’t need that MFer going 4 innings every 5th day…move him to the pen if that’s more efficient for him.

[TURBO]

Pair up Strider and Anderson. Should cover most of game

[msstate7]

Well we don’t need that MFer going 4 innings every 5th day…move him to the pen if that’s more efficient for him.

I'd use an opener before bringing him in

[chop2chip]

This Weeks kid doesn’t know where the ball is going.

[CyYoung31]

Duvall has two walks tonight to go with his homer tonight. WTF is happening?

[msstate7]

He pouring strikes now

[Enscheff]

Well we don’t need that MFer going 4 innings every 5th day…move him to the pen if that’s more efficient for him.

And the award for most ignorant post of the thread goes to….

[bravesfanforlife88]

Albies out with a fractured foot

[Hudson2]

Fractured left foot for Albies. Ouch

[msstate7]

So how long is he out?

[The Chosen One]

Ozzie with a fractured foot.

[CrimsonCowboy]

Well that sucks.

[Enscheff]

Broken foot for Albies? Crazy play. Damn.

[tululush]

That sucks. But fractured bone > torn ligament.

How long we thinking 4-6 weeks? 6-8 weeks?

[Hudson2]

So how long is he out?

4-6 weeks on the minor side. 10-12 weeks if it’s a worse break.

[msstate7]

Valaika or gosselin?

[jsebe10]

So how long is he out?

My guess is 6-8 weeks. Minimum. Maybe 12

[CyYoung31]

So how long is he out?

6-8 weeks?

[msstate7]

Dansby is pretty good

[TURBO]

Extent

[Hudson2]

Dansby has been money all year.

[The Chosen One]

Swanson said pay me.

[CrazyTrain]

You could hear one of the guys gasp as news broke on Twitter about 2 mins before they announced it on air.

Yuck.

[Mad Dog Murph]

Bae

[jsebe10]

Gotta pay that man.

[The Chosen One]

Dansby has been money all year.

except when he started with 23ks in his first 42 at bats.

[thewupk]

Best SS in baseball

[mfree80]

Whydfml

[thewupk]

Sucks about albies. But it will be like trading for an allstar when he comes back.

[msstate7]

Merrifield can 2b and OF. He just became our target imo

[Hudson2]

Harris, Anderson, minor piece for Reynolds who says no? This would be an offseason move so we didn’t lose a starter this year.

[CyYoung31]

It can not be overstated how huge that Swanson homer was.

[CrazyTrain]

Anyone know if Ozzie fouled one off his left foot recently?

Odd way to break something unless it was already compromised.

[Hudson2]

except when he started with 23ks in his first 42 at bats.

Most* lol

[chop2chip]

Merrifield can 2b and OF. He just became our target imo

He or Ketel Marte.. hmmmmm

[msstate7]

It can not be overstated how huge that Swanson homer was.

And his 2-out, 2-rbi single. He has 4 2-out RBIs in a game we lead by 4

[CyYoung31]

Sucks about albies. But it will be like trading for an allstar when he comes back.

Thanks, Chip.

[msstate7]

He or Ketel Marte.. hmmmmm

I'd certainly prefer marte. I figure merrifield would be cheaper

[CyYoung31]

I expect Albies to be back before September.

[Mad Dog Murph]

And his 2-out, 2-rbi single. He has 4 2-out RBIs in a game we lead by 4

And he hit it off Tom Petty’s ghost

[CrimsonCowboy]

Have to think we’ll see a lot of Arcia in the short term. Long term, we’ll see

[CyYoung31]

Why would we trade for a starting 2B when we our starting 2B will be back before the end of the year?

And who are we trading to get said starting 2B?

[msstate7]

Why would we trade for a starting 2B when we our starting 2B will be back before the end of the year?

And who are we trading to get said starting 2B?

That's why I looked for a guy that can play OF too. Insurance for duvall and Harris

[mfree80]

Has Demerrite played 2nd lately? Wouldn’t surprise me to see him for a minute.

[chop2chip]

I'd certainly prefer marte. I figure merrifield would be cheaper
I like the idea a lot.

Braves could certainly use a super utility type.

[msstate7]

Has Demerrite played 2nd lately? Wouldn’t surprise me to see him for a minute.

What's up with him? He hasn't played at Gwinnett in a while

[CyYoung31]

I like the idea a lot.

Braves could certainly use a super utility type.

If the Braves are indeed targeting a Merrifield-ilk, you can guarantee that he’ll be on the roster by tomorrow night.

[Hudson2]

AA will probably jump on something quick if he can. Arcia isn’t bad at all but I guess it’ll depend on how bad the break is. If it’s 10-12 weeks then I expect a trade.

[mfree80]

Arcia?

[Mad Dog Murph]

What's up with him? He hasn't played at Gwinnett in a while

He’s been benched in Gwinnett. Not good enough to stay there he surely doesn’t need to be back here

[Enscheff]

It just didn’t look like something that would break a bone. What a gut punch.

[CrazyTrain]

It just didn’t look like something that would break a bone. What a gut punch.

I’m betting he fouled a ball of his foot or something and already had a bone bruise.

[jsebe10]

God damn the walks tonight.

[CyYoung31]

Lmao. Wow.

[chop2chip]

That double play helps.

[drewdat]

lol

[CyYoung31]

I’m betting he fouled a ball of his foot or something and already had a bone bruise.

****ing Freddie forcing him to play through it.

[msstate7]

Pretty nice defense by o'day

[mfree80]

Stayed with Anderson too long, then stayed with Lee too long.

[TURBO]

Stayed with Anderson too long, then stayed with Lee too long.

Lee struck out Soto right?

[Hudson2]

I’ve seen Contreras take grounders on the infield. Doubt he’s an option.

[Hulavol]

Says here Albies is back in 3.5- 4.5 weeks.

[msstate7]

Says here Albies is back in 3.5- 4.5 weeks.

Then you roll with Arcia and valaika/gosselin

[Mad Dog Murph]

Harris got him one

[Tapate50]

Who called that ? Someone did

[chop2chip]

That’s an impressive homerun. Wow

[msstate7]

Harris is something else

[Mad Dog Murph]

Who called that ? Someone did

Hulavol

[CyYoung31]

That was Jason Heyward-esque.

[chop2chip]

That was Jason Heyward-esque.
Very.

[CyYoung31]

Says here Albies is back in 3.5- 4.5 weeks.

Where?

[Mad Dog Murph]

Chavez has pitched in 43 straight games

[Tapate50]

Chavez has pitched in 43 straight years

Fixed

[chop2chip]

Simmons trade wasn’t for nothing. Ultimately brought back the king

[The Chosen One]

That was Jason Heyward-esque.

Bat flip and hustle out the box.

[CyYoung31]

Bat flip and hustle out the box.

The way he plays makes me question if he even loves baseball.

[TURBO]

https://media.giphy.com/media/vzuqin231fC92/giphy.gif

[CrimsonCowboy]

https://wompimages-azureedge-net.cdn.ampproject.org/ii/w820/s/wompimages.azureedge.net/fetchimage?url=https://i.chzbgr.com/full/6806376192/h13D80AD0/gif-of-the-day-elephant-jumping-on-a-trampoline

[Mad Dog Murph]

12 in a row. Only 5 back. Unreal

[Hulavol]

Nice dig Riley !

[Carp]

Delino Deshields a possibility to replace Ozzie? He's rocking a .400+ OBP

Edit: BR page says he plays 2b, but he hasn't played there in the with any regularity.

[Slippyjms]

9-7

[jpx7]

Delino Deshields a possibility to replace Ozzie? He's rocking a .400+ OBP

Edit: BR page says he plays 2b, but he hasn't played there in the with any regularity.

Ketel Marte. He can play 2B now, and switch to LF later.

[jpx7]

****ing Freddie forcing him to play through it.

The spectre lingers even into their bones. When will we finally be rid of His Fell Imperium?

[Carp]

Ketel Marte. He can play 2B now, and switch to LF later.

We don't have anywhere near prospect haul to get him do we?

[thewupk]

We don't have anywhere near prospect haul to get him do we?

Marte is on a 5/76 contract from 23-27 with a 28 club option. He's not getting traded.

[msstate7]

Marte is on a 5/76 contract from 23-27 with a 28 club option. He's not getting traded.

Merrifield makes much more sense imo

[thewupk]

Merrifield makes much more sense imo

Except he can't hit. I'd rather play Arcia

[bravesfanMatt]

Dozen wins in a row for the first time this year... but the loss of Ozzie has to make it impossible to match our longest streak of the year.. whatever that is...

[Russ2dollas]

Except he can't hit. I'd rather play Arcia

Can Drury from the Reds play 2B?

[msstate7]

Except he can't hit. I'd rather play Arcia

Stats look like he's been terribly unlucky

ETA...
.053 difference in actual BA and xBA
.130 difference in actual slugging and xslugging
.073 difference in wOBA and xwoba

Throughout his career, he's been in line with real and xStats

[bravesfanMatt]

I think we are going to go with internal options to replace Ozzie for now.. at least until we get time table of return for Ozzie. We can survive without a huge offensive production for a few months...

[thethe]

Albies is awesome don't get me wrong but its not like he was the engine driving this offensive spike.

Arcia can probably give us 80-85% of Albies for the next couple of months.

[bravesfanMatt]

Albies is awesome don't get me wrong but its not like he was the engine driving this offensive spike.

Arcia can probably give us 80-85% of Albies for the next couple of months.

It is not about what Ozzie did but what Ozzie CAN do.. Arcia is not 80% of Ozzie's potential.. that said, I think we can survive a few months without him.. we won the championship without our best player last year.










To win it all without Almonte, then we can survive this Ozzie setback.

[Hudson2]

Arcia is no slouch so luckily we have him and he can definitely replace Ozzie defensively and some of him offensively. We are probably ok just staying out for now. Need a guy to replace Arcia on the bench though. Shewmake?

[chop2chip]

Arcia is no slouch so luckily we have him and he can definitely replace Ozzie defensively and some of him offensively. We are probably ok just staying out for now. Need a guy to replace Arcia on the bench though. Shewmake?

I am just as worried about replacing Ozzie defensively (who is quite good) with someone who is pretty mediocre.

To be fair to Arcia he was at least decent in a limited sample at SS last year

[zbhargrove]

Arcia is no slouch so luckily we have him and he can definitely replace Ozzie defensively and some of him offensively. We are probably ok just staying out for now. Need a guy to replace Arcia on the bench though. Shewmake?

Shewmake has been bad… there’s no way he’s coming up.

[thewupk]

That was Jason Heyward-esque.

I like Harris' swing if he can elevate the ball more like he did there.

[Garmel]

I like Harris' swing if he can elevate the ball more like he did there.

He has to increase his laugh angle. It's currently sitting at 3.6 degrees.

[CyYoung31]

He has to increase his laugh angle. It's currently sitting at 3.6 degrees.

“Just put the ball in play, and good things will happen.”

To be fair, that’s probably true for a guy with his speed. But, with his ability to square up the ball, if he elevates it, a lot more good things will happen.

[bravesfanMatt]

He has to increase his laugh angle. It's currently sitting at 3.6 degrees.

If he swings by here and reads a few game day threads his laugh angle will increase for sure.

[CyYoung31]

If he swings by here and reads a few game day threads his laugh angle will increase for sure.

Why? Are there pictures of your mom floating about?

[thewupk]

He has to increase his laugh angle. It's currently sitting at 3.6 degrees.

Well yeah. The homerun was at 26 degrees. If he can get the ball elevated he could be a doubles and triples machine. Hitting it on the ground constantly will limit him.

[thewupk]

He has to increase his laugh angle. It's currently sitting at 3.6 degrees.

He's up to 8.1% now. It's been pretty evident by watching him lately that's he's elevating the ball. Hopefully the new swing they are working on with him does wonders for him.