Coco Crisp has been a major disappointment in replacing Johnny Damon, except on defense. Crisp went from a star in Cleveland capable of .300 20+HR 20+SB, to a guy who is lucky to have a job in Boston. Recenly hitting coach Dave Magadan has reconstructed Crisp at the plate and the results have been amazing. Here is just a taste of a recent interview with Magadan about Crisp's changes...
"He's standing a little taller," hitting coach Dave Magadan said. "A little less stride. And getting the feeling like he's above the ball instead of like landing with that front leg bent.
"Just trying to get him taller, both ways. If he's not going to load, at least keep him where he holds his position instead of leaning toward the baseball.
"You don't want to swing around your body. If you get all spread out, with your legs and the weight of your upper body, you swing around it, which slows up your bat and you hit a lot of balls weakly. It gets him in a better position where he can generate some bat speed. He's done a real good job, both sides.
"I think it's easier for him to get a load, righthanded. Lefthanded, he's a little more still in his load, so we just try to get him to stand up taller."
I take special note of the last line of the interview, as it came as a great shock. Apparently Coco hasn't hit in Boston due to issues with his load. I guess a year and a half being constipated will hurt your production. All I can say to Coco is go, go, go!
The better Coco does now, the more value he will have when Jacoby Ellsbury proves why he is the best leadoff hitter not in the Majors and the 2008 AL Rookie of the year.
No comments:
Post a Comment