Posted May 29, 200519 yr He hasn't been taking home runs swings like he used too and that has really helped him take the ball the other way and get more base hits. Since making a minor adjustment to his batting stance, shortstop Alex Gonzalez has become the Marlins' hottest hitter. Gonzalez had an 11-game hitting streak, which ended in Friday's game against the New York Mets. During that 17-for-36 (.472) span, he has raised his batting average 67 points to .283 and his on-base percentage 74 points to .338. It's all in the hands. During the Marlins' visit to San Diego earlier this month, Gonzalez began positioning his hands a few inches higher. Instead of starting his stance with the bat perpendicular to the ground, it's now more above his shoulder, making it easier to pull to the trigger. "Right now it's eliminated some strikeouts," hitting coach Bill Robinson said. "He's seeing the ball a little bit longer. He's cut down on his swing. It doesn't look like he's worried about hitting home runs. I'm quite proud of him." Despite generally mediocre batting averages, Gonzalez has taken pride in his home run and RBI counts. He achieved personal bests in both categories last year (23, 79) but hit just .232. This season, Gonzalez's RBI total remains respectable (20), but he has put just three in the seats. Gonzalez has not gone deep since May 1 at Philadelphia, but he is already one-third of the way toward matching his doubles total from last season (30). Seven of his 17 hits since May 14 have been doubles. "When you cut down on your swing and don't go from the shortstop to the left-field line, there's plenty of money and plenty of base hits to right field," Robinson said. "His setup is allowing him to track the ball. Consequently, when you track the ball and don't try to kill it -- he certainly has the ability -- things happen. "He's been the Alex we all think he can be. Deep down as his hitting coach, I know he's not a .230 hitter." -Sun Sentinel
May 29, 200519 yr Author I love it how he's not an automatic out anymore and how he's great on offense also not only defense. He's making up for Lowell at the plate, that's for sure. In today's game he has 2 hits and a walk already.
May 29, 200519 yr I love it how he's not an automatic out anymore and how he's great on offense also not only defense. He's making up for Lowell at the plate, that's for sure. In today's game he has 2 hits and a walk already. 788279[/snapback] woah there... Alex is in one of his pattented hot streaks... they last anywhere from 2-3 weeks. He will go back to the old Alex shortly. Which is fine, just as long as someone picks up the slack *looks at Lowell, JP, Lo Duca*
May 29, 200519 yr Author I love it how he's not an automatic out anymore and how he's great on offense also not only defense. He's making up for Lowell at the plate, that's for sure. In today's game he has 2 hits and a walk already. 788279[/snapback] woah there... Alex is in one of his pattented hot streaks... they last anywhere from 2-3 weeks. He will go back to the old Alex shortly. Which is fine, just as long as someone picks up the slack *looks at Lowell, JP, Lo Duca* 788313[/snapback] Don't "jinx" him. Anyways, I've been loving him at the plate. Even if he doesn't score a lot because he hits at the bottom of the lineup it's alright. His BA is over .280 I believe...that's a lot over his normal BA which is .230 or .240
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