Today in The Journal News
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Mar 22, 2010 
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Nick Swisher has always shown power and patience at the plate, but this spring he’s been hitting for average as well, and that’s by design. Swisher worked this winter to “quiet” his swing, and it seems to be paying dividends.
Speaking of changes, Sam wrote today about the changes in Alex Rodriguez. Not the physical changes on the field, but rather the subtle changes off the field and in the face of controversy.
This afternoon, the Yankees will play an intrasquad game as a way to make up for yesterday’s rainout. The notebook also has items on the latest round of big league cuts, a meeting with the Players Association and Curtis Granderson’s role in the outfield.
Thanks for the info about Elston Howard, GB. The Yankees were behind other teams in trying to sign black players; in fact, didn’t they pass on Willie Mays? Despicable.
I think Kevin Long’s contract expires after the season. If Swisher produces a spike in AVG as a result of his coaching, Long becomes a more important free agent signing than Girardi (because I think most managers are fungible, while truly great hitting coaches are rare).
Long should get a pay raise anyway – and I think he will. I can’t see the Yankees letting him go.
It’s another one of life’s curiosities that a guy who never played above AAA ball seems to be a great hitting coach.
I guess sometimes you have the Mental, or teaching acumen but not the Physical tools ?
Like the Psychiatrist who might be a screwed up human being themself but is good at helping others with their problems.
Anyway, IMO we need to retain K Long.
Imagine how scary the lineup would be with a Swisher hitting even .280. Now if he can sort out Granderson’s issues against lefties he (Long) could be the teams MVP. An improved Swisher with a Granderson that can hit even .240 against lefties could make a run at a thousand runs this year.
I think Long will definitely be back-I can’t see the Yankees letting him get away.
Kevin Long is well over a .300 hitter with our hitters.
I can’t think of anyone he hasn’t help to improve.
The Man’s a winner. And a keeper.
Now if K Long could just get Montero not to hit the ball so hard. That’s impossible of course.
“It’s another one of life’s curiosities that a guy who never played above AAA ball seems to be a great hitting coach.”
As the saying goes: “Those who can’t do, teach.”
Sometimes truly gifted people don’t have to spend the time it takes to analyze the component parts of their skill, so it may be harder for them to pass on that information to others. Plus, they may not understand what it is to struggle, so they may not have patience with those who do.
Rich-
Luckily for us he can teach.
Rich in NJ
March 22nd, 2010 at 8:38 am
As the saying goes: “Those who can’t do, teach.”
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I have to follow this up with one of my favorite lines from Annie Hall, “and those who can’t teach, teach gym”
New Post: Lineup today in Clearwater
If Swisher takes a leap forward then this lineup will be even more unbelievable. How many teams have two guys with 30 homer power in the 7 and 8 holes?