In yesterday’s Notes column, it was pointed out how the “normal” BABIP for the league is down considerably from when it was assumed to be around .300, with the stated reason being pitchers improving their stuff thanks to technology.
I wonder if a player’s attitude and or aptitude regarding the use of data is a contributing factor as to their value, perceived or real. A couple weeks ago there was some discussion around the “intangibles” that not be easily determined by us fans (e.g. team chemistry, attitude, coachability, etc.). It could be that the ability and willingness to apply data for improvement is another one. That could explain why Smith gets a contract and Raley is ignored, or why they went after Canning vs. Quintana. I am glad to see Nimmo and McNeil using the lab to improve themselves. Given McNeil’s passion for golf, he may have a head start due to the heavy use of swing metrics in that 18-hole sport.
There's no reason McNeil can't have both power and average. In his last 149 PA last year, he had a .289/.376/.547 line, with a .316 BABIP. Lifetime, he has a .312 BABIP.
I saw a couple of clips of McNeil's hits (double and single) yesterday. It seems like he is in fact trying to hit the ball hard and go for some power. Those two hits were the results of some impressive and aggressive swings.
Yeah, it does seem like McNeil is going to continue to look to drive the ball, rather than flick it, which is a wonderful thing. The very first game this Spring, he hit two balls hard - one where the RF made a nice diving play and the other one that the wind kept in the park. I'm very encouraged.
I wonder if a player’s attitude and or aptitude regarding the use of data is a contributing factor as to their value, perceived or real. A couple weeks ago there was some discussion around the “intangibles” that not be easily determined by us fans (e.g. team chemistry, attitude, coachability, etc.). It could be that the ability and willingness to apply data for improvement is another one. That could explain why Smith gets a contract and Raley is ignored, or why they went after Canning vs. Quintana. I am glad to see Nimmo and McNeil using the lab to improve themselves. Given McNeil’s passion for golf, he may have a head start due to the heavy use of swing metrics in that 18-hole sport.
Id rather have McNeil hit 20 plus home runs and hit .250 rather than hitting .285 with a bunch of weak singles.
There's no reason McNeil can't have both power and average. In his last 149 PA last year, he had a .289/.376/.547 line, with a .316 BABIP. Lifetime, he has a .312 BABIP.
I saw a couple of clips of McNeil's hits (double and single) yesterday. It seems like he is in fact trying to hit the ball hard and go for some power. Those two hits were the results of some impressive and aggressive swings.
Yeah, it does seem like McNeil is going to continue to look to drive the ball, rather than flick it, which is a wonderful thing. The very first game this Spring, he hit two balls hard - one where the RF made a nice diving play and the other one that the wind kept in the park. I'm very encouraged.