HOw to Hit .219 and Get Paid $125 Million

Most of you I’m sure have heard of the Phillies, Ryan Howard, and his recent $125 million contract extension. There is a pretty heavy amount of criticism on his actual value floating around the web as well. While I don’t want to rehash all of the blog posts and articles written, I do want to talk about one glaring concern of Ryan Howard. That is other than his getting thrown out at second yesterday on an easy double because he coasted into the bag.

I can’t argue that he isn’t an amazing hitter. Hit numbers are ridiculous. The last three seasons alone he’s hit 143 dingers and has 423 RBI’s. But a closer look at his splits reveals a glaring weakness that is nearly absurd for a professional hitter in the middle of the lineup. In the past three seasons, Howard his hitting a measly .219 against left-handed pitchers. That number makes we want to throw up on my keyboard. You may think that it’s no big deal because he doesn’t face a lot of lefties. However, if you calculate the at bats, he faces lefties 40% of the time. What would his numbers be if brought that average up just 50 points. Imagine the numbers he would put up since many of his hits are for extra bases.

Does Howard realize his numbers against lefties are so horribly low? I’m sure he does. The question then is what is it about his hitting mechanics or his approach that is causing this? As a left-hander myself, I performed quite well off of lefties. It was a mindset change I had to make. It’s no different than a right-handed hitter facing a right-hander. So, if you are a left-handed hitter and having a Howardish time with lefty pitchers, here are some things you can work on to lift your performance. Then maybe, just maybe, you will one day sign a $125 million deal as well.

1. Look for more curveballs than normal. Lefty pitchers love to intimidate lefty hitters with the bender. Just make the mental adjustment that you are going to go to the opposite field and you’ll have a better chance of success.

2. If it makes you more comfortable, open up your stance slightly. This minor change to your hitting mechanics is only temporary. As long as you remember to square back up with your stride, it may allow you to feel more comfortable in the box against a lefty.

3. Hit early in the count. Looks for a fastball early and put a good hack on it. Chances are you’ll get fewer that your right-handed teammates so take advantage of the fastball when you see one.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/27/AR2010042704862.html – A good write-up on the Howard deal

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?playerId=6097&type=batting3 – Interesting Howard splits