3 replies to this topic

[BSLNickStevens]

BSL: Key Year For These 3 Prospects

https://www.baltimor...ar-3-prospects/

[Mike B]

BSL: Key Year For These 3 Prospects
https://www.baltimor...ar-3-prospects/

Another interesting read.
One part really caught my eye. The part where you mention, McKenna exchanged his gap power, for fly balls. Just curious, do you think this was a launch angle mandate from the organization.

I saw McKenna 3 times in 2018 at Frederick and he can really go in the outfield and made good contact and really could run when he had a chance for extra bases.
I thought his defense was the difference between him being a 4th outfielder type and a starter.
I think screwing with the swing to adjust launch angle hurts as many hitters as it helps.

[BSLNickStevens]

That's a good question that I wish I knew the answer to. Maybe it could have been by design, just to see if he could tap into the power a little more, but it clearly didn't work out well. I love his defense and the kid can make a routine groundball to shortstop entertaining. If he's in Norfolk this year, I think he quickly realizes how finding the gaps again in that huge outfield at Harbor Park will produce some big offensive numbers!

[Mike B]

That's a good question that I wish I knew the answer to. Maybe it could have been by design, just to see if he could tap into the power a little more, but it clearly didn't work out well. I love his defense and the kid can make a routine groundball to shortstop entertaining. If he's in Norfolk this year, I think he quickly realizes how finding the gaps again in that huge outfield at Harbor Park will produce some big offensive numbers!

Thanks Nick.

I read all the time, how they are changing swings for launch angle and deliveries for spin rate, and I worry that good young talent can get ruined trying to follow a cookie cutter approach.