Title: Francisco Alvarez’s Journey to Becoming a Complete Hitter: Insights from Mets Hitting Coach
Introduction:
Mets hitting coach, Eric Chavez, believes that Francisco Alvarez’s slump is not solely attributed to a lack of home runs. Instead, Chavez emphasizes the importance of Alvarez becoming a well-rounded and consistent hitter. This article delves into Alvarez’s progress, focusing on his recent struggles, the impact of his injury, and the guidance he receives from Chavez.
The Impact of Alvarez’s Injury and Return:
Alvarez’s performance prior to his injury was nothing short of outstanding. After missing seven weeks due to a torn ligament in his left thumb, he made a remarkable comeback, showcasing a 1.125 OPS in 15 games during June. This boosted the Mets’ morale and highlighted Alvarez’s potential. However, his performance dipped in July, with a meager .577 OPS. Although he has shown improvement at the plate recently, his overall stats for this month stand at .243/.282/.297.
The Focus on Becoming a Good Hitter First:
Chavez’s coaching philosophy centers around Alvarez becoming a complete hitter before emphasizing home runs. He encourages Alvarez to focus on making consistent contact, hitting mistakes, and using all fields rather than solely trying to pull the ball. Chavez believes that by becoming a good hitter, Alvarez will eventually excel as an offensive catcher. Despite Alvarez hitting 25 home runs last season, Chavez deemed it unsatisfactory, emphasizing the need for well-rounded performance over power hitting.
The Journey to Mastering Control:
Chavez highlights Alvarez’s potential, describing him as having a “Ferrari engine.” However, he insists that Alvarez needs to work on controlling his approach at the plate. The hitting coach compares it to learning how to control the brakes of a high-performance car. Alvarez has experienced fluctuations in his strikeouts, with 26 in 20 games from July 1 to August 4, but only nine in the last ten games. By mastering control and maintaining consistency, Chavez believes Alvarez will unlock his full potential.
Conclusion:
Francisco Alvarez’s journey to becoming a complete hitter involves a shift in focus from home runs to overall performance. Eric Chavez’s guidance emphasizes the importance of consistency, making contact, and using all fields. Despite Alvarez’s recent struggles and injury setback, his potential as an offensive catcher remains undeniable. With continued development and a focus on mastering control, Alvarez has the tools to become one of the best in the game.
