9/18/23

Tom Brennan - One Reason Why Francisco Alvarez Should Get Better

YOUNG AND HUNGRY...AND IN NEED OF AB'S VS. LEFTIES

Hey, for his age, Francisco Alvarez has been outstanding, right?

He'll most likely simply get better with age, too.

But one reason why he definitely ought to improve?

Hitting vs. lefthanded pitching.

in the minors, Francisco and other righty hitters face very few lefties.

Hard to learn to hit against lefties if you face few of them.

Then, in the majors, they face more lefties - and BETTER lefties.  

That can initially be a hurdle, but should get BETTER with exposure.

This year, as of a few days ago, versus lefties, in 112 at bats? 

Alvarez has hit just .173 with 2 doubles and 4 HRs.  Not good at all.

Versus righties, which is what he mostly faced in the minors? 

He has been THUNDER:

19 HRs in 243 at bats, .235. 

I think he will hit dramatically better vs. lefties next year.  Face more, adjust…and then, it’s Clobberin’ Time.

Then...take it from me, a lefty...watch out!

11 comments:

Rds900 said...

The whole team needs to be better against lefties. It's been a problem for some time now.

Tom Brennan said...

Ray, good point. 17th in OPS vs. righties, 23rd vs lefties

Paul Articulates said...

Where do the better lefties come from if they are not in the minors first?

Mack Ade said...

Lefties come from California

Paul Articulates said...

Haha - of course, the left coast!

110friendslaneWestburyNY said...

Diaz coming back for sure will help, he's been known to throw some kiwi's. Re-signing David Robertson would be a step in the right direction, adding some mushrooms to the stew. Let's push back Ottovino in the seventh inning (Friend's Lane as I call it) would help. Raley cumbs or goes as coach sees fit.

Woodrow said...

They need two or even three lefties in the BP! Obviously good ones.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Tom B.

Francisco Alvarez will continue to improve his game on both sides, offense and defense. He will hit the homeruns as we have already seen, but also add more to his batting average tally. His defense will develop as well, as he plays more MLB games.

This guy is an All Star catcher in the making people.

Who else impressed me this season who was a rookie, was Ronnie Mauricio, Brett Baty, and Mark Viento. I think Jose Peroza is a rookie to watch too.

I'd like to see Nathan Lavender up here as well. His 4-3 record, 2.75 ERA, 7 saves, 81 SO's in 52 innings, and 1.13 WHIP make for an interesting reliever here I believe. And people, HE IS A LEFTY with past starting experience under his belt.

Tom Brennan said...

I think Jose Peroza has slipped in the infield competition due to the in-season trades. He may be a rule 5. Personally, I don’t think so. His problem, as with many, is a high K rate in 2023. 131 in 104 games. But he is 6 months younger than Brett Baty…

He simply has to improve.

Tom Brennan said...

Peroza has hit lefties well in 2023. He was brutal in July and August, no idea why. April-to-June, he was solid, and a solid Sept so far.

He is built like a catcher. Maybe he should volunteer to switch. No easy task, but might be a ticket eventually to the majors. Right now, he looks to me like an also-ran.

Tom Brennan said...

Jose Peroza, catcher? Another site said this about his arm, so why not?

“ Defensively, Peroza has a strong arm and is currently capable of making the routine plays at third base, but his body will likely be a high maintenance one as he continues aging, meaning that he may lose even more mobility and range around the hot corner.”