With Spring Training underway, we are starting to see some of those adjustments that the players may have made during the offseason.
I discussed Mike Burrows’ new slider in yesterday’s edition, and now we get a look at the new batting stance from Jack Suwinski.
Here's a comparison of Jack Suwinski's batting stance in '22 versus today pic.twitter.com/0D9l1TuVdp
— Justice delos Santos (@justdelossantos) February 18, 2023
A great shot here by Justice delos Santos from MLB.com breaking down the difference between his stance from 2022 and the changes he made.
Not only is he more upright, but his stance is also a little more open as well. This video was also featured in the DVR, but a look at him in action.
Mitch Keller vs. Jack Suwinski in a live bullpen. Not only is Suwinski more upright than last season, but he's more open, too. The difference is really apparent from the side angle. He made some loud contact on Keller's second offering. pic.twitter.com/iL8stJv2GU
— Justice delos Santos (@justdelossantos) February 18, 2023
Suwinski hit 19 home runs last year as a rookie, but he also struck out over 30% of the time. Finding some consistency will be key, and while he has to be a favorite to earn playing time early on, his struggles against lefties and while on the road won’t guarantee anything until he proves otherwise.
Lofty Expectations For Oneil Cruz
Oneil Cruz has yet to play an entire season in the majors so far. While 2023 will be his first shot to play over 100 games, Cruz himself already has set the bar high for himself, aiming for a potential 30/30 season this year.
It should really speak to just the immense potential that Cruz has where thinking that kind of season is a completely reasonable goal for him.
With a special toolset and an almost limitless upside, really the only thing preventing him from reaching it is himself. I talked about it previously about the best way for him to reach that potential is get better at making the smaller plays.
Pirates Prospects Daily
By Tim Williams
**The latest Pirates DVR features a battle between Mitch Keller and Jack Suwinski.
**Spring Training has started, but John Dreker has a full recap of the Pirates in winter league action this offseason.
**In the latest Pirates Discussion, Jeff Reed looks at the team with a Mardi Gras theme.
**Missed yesterday? Anthony wrote about the impact of a new pitch for Mike Burrows.
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