Since the Twins, and most teams, have so many strike out prone players lately, I found this sort of interesting. To me, it seems common sense. Flatten the swing should improve contact percentage. I realize some players have benefited from increased launch angles. But I don't think it's a one size fits all solution.

 

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2795099-trevor-storys-505-foot-power-makes-him-criminally-underrated-mlb-superstar?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=editorial

Edited September 13, 20188 yr by Platoon

 

I realize some players have benefited from increased launch angles. But I don't think it's a one size fits all solution.
 

Thanks for the post.

 

I think the attack angle/launch angle hype machine is all part of the cat-and-mouse game that is baseball. Pitchers are pounding the lower part of the zone and sinkers are (somewhat) effective; attack the ball with more of an uppercut. Attack angle increases and is paying out; pitchers move to more high cheese and curveballs to miss bats. All equates to more strikeouts, but higher homers.

 

Perhaps the next trend will be to normalize the attack angle between flat and high to combat the high balls/curveballs to maximize average and power; perhaps something else.

 

Whole thing reminds me of outfield shifts. Shift on power hitting, pull happy guys; then teams recruit and use more whole field hitters.

 

What's more concerning to me is that the Twins always (to me), seem to be chasing the most recent trend, instead of being out-front. Ryan Pressley's curveball rate comes to mind.

Without that adjustment... Brandan Rodgers would be probably replacing Trevor Story right about now.

 

Byron Buxton for example should flatten out that swing and increase his contact. I think he will become who we want him to be the very second he learns to do that. 

 

Sano is strong enough to line drive balls over the fence and he does not want to be Chris Davis. 

 

I haven't seen the launch angle data so I'm going to try and keep an open mind. I'll try to trust those who are more informed. But... K's are going to kill Moncada and they might be killing Sano and Buxton as we speak.