I wanted to see what is going on with Jacob Berry? I am not interested in anyone keyboard bashing him or other derogatory & unintelligent responses but actual input. Berry was likely the #1 hitter in D1 College baseball (SEC) as a sophomore, coming off a transfer from UofA, and prior to that his final high school years was disrupted by COVID. His final month or so, due to injury, he was only hitting from the right side where his numbers were not as strong. In that situation, to be a top 5 and likely #1 hitter in college, shows he has it in him. In his first full minor season, he had a tough slump through May, then really turned it on when he moved to AA. I thought this may have been due to the am - pro transition, wood bats, heavier game and traveling load, and a big jump in talent competing against him an potentially a few mechanics adjustments they worked with him on. He slashed strong numbers to finish the season, had a great fall league, and showed good stuff in big league camp this spring. After a decent few weeks in Pensacola, his numbers have just been dismal. Its sad to see as I know a little about Berry and you wont find a more mature, solid, and hard-working kid. Defense has always been a question and there has been some struggles that seem to align with his bat but he definitely has shown he can play in the field, 3B / 1B.
Watching several of his games, it seems he has an uncanny amount of stripped balls he has crushed right at the defender; however, for every one of those, and many of his hits, they are soft judys or grounders that will get scooped at upper levels.
Again, not interested in any bashing, but what is going on??? I can see low .200's in a slump but dipping to .150, I would assume this has to be a mental issue he is dealing with?
Also, I noticed he has not been playing the past week and it shows he is listed on bench and not IL. Does anyone know if he is injured an they are just waiting on results, giving him rest, or is he just benched at this time? Either way I am rooting for the kid as he has it in him if he can just work through the mental part, which only gets tougher.
Common Jake, deep breath, lotta confidence, and get after it!! Would like to know any thoughts...