Has Markakis changed his swing?

[PurpleBrave]

Or is this just a fluke?

https://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/yo...beneficiaries/

[Enscheff]

Well, the author linked an article that literally states FB rate doesn't stabilize until ~80 balls in play, and then goes on to write an article based on ~25% of that number.

So...it's more than a bit premature to draw any conclusions.

[BeanieAntics]

A little off topic, but one name on that list that has always intrigued me is Marwin Gonzalez. He is an UFA after this season and seems like he would be a decent fit for the Braves. He will be 30 next year, but he is a switch hitter with some power that can literally play anywhere on the field except pitcher and catcher (and maybe at this point CF). I don't really think he would be all that expensive and we could put him wherever our greatest need was. That would probably be either 3rd or a corner outfield spot. He could also fill in at any of the other infield positions if we ever had a need there.

I don't know, maybe his age is a big enough problem to keep us away or maybe we get priced out. But what would he seriously command on the market? Could we get him for a 3+1 at an AAV of 12 million?

[thewupk]

Clearly it's a super small sample but Neck seems to have a higher exit velocity and launch angle so far than last year.

[BeanieAntics]

Clearly it's a super small sample but Neck seems to have a higher exit velocity and launch angle so far than last year.

Which is kind of interesting to me because it seems like a large portion of his hits have been bloops, jam shots, or hits given to him by the Phillies' shift.

[thewupk]

Which is kind of interesting to me because it seems like a large portion of his hits have been bloops, jam shots, or hits given to him by the Phillies' shift.

True. I also think it just illustrates how inept he was last year.

[JxnMissFan]

There’s not a Braves player with more pressure on him than Neck this season. If Neck doesn’t improve over last season he will not get an mlb contract this offseason.

[thethe]

Didn't AA bring in a new organization hitting instructor? Could that have made a difference?

[Enscheff]

Clearly it's a super small sample but Neck seems to have a higher exit velocity and launch angle so far than last year.

His average exit velocities on LDs:

2017: 93.1 mph
2018: 84.5 mph

His average exit velocity overall:

2017: 88.3 mph
2018: 87.4 mph

Markakis has put 20 balls into play so far. He's hit 6 LDs. It's far too early to claim he's changed in any meaningful way, but even the small sample suggests he is the same mediocre hitter he's been as a Brave.

[thewupk]

His average exit velocities on LDs:

2017: 93.1 mph
2018: 84.5 mph

His average exit velocity overall:

2017: 88.3 mph
2018: 87.4 mph

Markakis has put 20 balls into play so far. He's hit 6 LDs. It's far too early to claim he's changed in any meaningful way, but even the small sample suggests he is the same mediocre hitter he's been as a Brave.

I was more referring to balls in the middle and middle away where he has over 100 MPH exit velocity. I don't expect that to last however.

[zitothebrave]

It's worth noting that markakis always starts fast.

[Julio3000]

Clearly it's a super small sample but Neck seems to have a higher exit velocity and launch angle so far than last year.

I'm pretty sure he started last season the same way. I remember because I did a thread about it.

All of this has happened before. All of this will happen again.

[thewupk]

I'm pretty sure he started last season the same way. I remember because I did a thread about it.

All of this has happened before. All of this will happen again.

I believe I can see the future....'Cause I repeat the same routine

[zitothebrave]

I'm pretty sure he started last season the same way. I remember because I did a thread about it.

All of this has happened before. All of this will happen again.

All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain.

[jpx7]

I'm pretty sure he started last season the same way. I remember because I did a thread about it.

All of this has happened before. All of this will happen again.

Kakes is a flat circle.

[The Chosen One]

Neck must be hitting the gym and going in hard on lifting weights.

[bravesfanMatt]

Neck must be hitting the gym and going in hard on lifting weights.

Read an article yesterday in bitcoin mining weekly that Neck has finished mining all the bitcoins he wanted and can devote his full attention to lifting again.

[Jaw]

Neck must be hitting the gym and going in hard on lifting weights.

You know, this was the first offseason he was really able to workout after the neck injury.

[Tapate50]

Kakes is a flat circle.

[CyYoung31]

Battlestar, Blade Runner, and True Detective references in one thread? This place has outdone itself.