When you earn the title of “Home Run King” for the previous season, one may not think you need to change too much.
Chris Davis of the Orioles has a different idea though. He told Baltimore reporters, including Roch Kubatko of MASN, that his goal this season isn’t to just crush baseballs anymore.
Chris Davis: "I'm turning over a new leaf. I'm trying to not hit anymore home runs and just walk." #Orioles
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) April 21, 2014
Davis is trying to stay patient at the plate while waiting for a good pitch to hit. Pitchers doing better job locating inside. #Orioles
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) April 21, 2014
As the game adapts, so, too, must a pitcher. By that same token, a hitter has to change his approach as well. Adaptability is a key to surviving a long career in baseball, whether it’s adapting to ballpark and weather conditions or adapting to changes in the game. Pitchers have realized that letting Chris Davis get his arms extended is not a great thing, and Davis understands that he’s got to find other ways to get on base.
Davis took two walks and scored a run in Sunday night’s loss against the Red Sox. For the year, he’s only hit 1 home run, but in 17 games, his on-base percentage of .370 matches his entire year last season. The 28-year old slugger has no problems passing the baton to those around him. He says that everyone else after him “has been raking” and that it’s good for him to get on base for those guys.