The Toronto Blue Jays apparently want George Springer striking out more
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Photo credit: Toronto Sun
There's no question that the Blue Jays have struggled to generate runs this season.
George Springer's high strikeout rate is exactly what the Blue Jays are looking for.
When looking for explanations, many are quick to highlight the high strikeout rate, which limits opportunities for positive outcomes, either by putting the ball in play for a potential hit or forcing the defense to make a play.
The Blue Jays surprisingly don't have that problem, though.
Brad Wakai from the Toronto Blue Jays On Si writes that the Blue Jays are only striking out 19% of the time, the second-fewest among all other MLB team this season.
"Springer has struck out 23.7% of the time, what would be the fourth-highest rate of his career behind his rookie season in 2014, his first full campaign in the bigs the year after that and then during the 2016 season." -Wakai
Those numbers clearly haven't cause any trouble for the veteran outfielder so far this season.
"In fact, Springer is putting up the best numbers at the plate he ever has with a slash line of .325/.402/.513. The Blue Jays want him to have this approach on offense." -Wakai
Keegan Matheson spoke to Blue Jays manager John Schneider about Springer's high strikeout rate.
"We spent so much time with George talking about that. We'd rather you be 0-and-1 than 0-for-1." -Schneider
Wakai also writes that Toronto is adjusting its offensive approach, aiming to generate more power by being more aggressive at the plate and occasionally swinging for the fences in key situations.
"The trick for the Blue Jays will be getting to the point where they can start creating damage. There is confidence the runs and power hitting will eventually come, but they'll need to focus on hitting the ball harder and on the barrel more often since they are 24th and 29th in those metrics, respectively." -Wakai
Springer has held up his end of the bargain this season, and now Schneider and the rest of the offensive coaching staff are hoping the rest of the lineup can follow his lead.
Source:
Toronto Blue Jays On Si
George Springer's High Strikeout Rate Is Exactly What Toronto Blue Jays Want
Toronto Blue Jays On Si
George Springer's High Strikeout Rate Is Exactly What Toronto Blue Jays Want
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