WATCH: Dustin Kelly sees Justin Turner as another hitting coach, Alcantara's potential |
Tony Crumpton
-
- 17 hours ago
Chicago Cubs hitting coach Dustin Kelly spoke to the media about his thoughts on having Justin Turner in camp, what he's seen out of Gage Workman so far, updates on Nico Hoerner and Matt Shaw and much more.
Watch the interview below: Video summary/cliff-notes: (00:00-00:28) Justin Turner is seen as an extension of the coaching staff due to his deep knowledge of hitting, experience with swing changes, and ability to mentor teammates naturally. (00:28-00:56) Turner's presence benefits the team by providing players with another knowledgeable resource when coaches are occupied elsewhere. (00:56-01:47) Gage Workman faces pressure to make the roster out of spring training, but his performance so far has been impressive, justifying his Rule 5 Draft selection. (02:13-03:05) Nico Hoerner and Shaw are ramping up their hitting while managing injury recovery, following structured swing counts and mechanical adjustments. (03:36-04:07) Kevin Alcántara has bulked up, which has tightened his swing and improved his decision-making at the plate. His added strength is expected to enhance his bat speed. (05:31-06:29) The team utilizes various drills to improve pitch recognition, including identifying ball numbers and reacting to mixed pitch types from machines. (06:58-07:56) Maintaining confidence despite the challenges of a long season is emphasized. Alcántara is seen as a high-ceiling offensive talent, though still developing. (07:56-08:46) Communication between hitting coaches and players is crucial, especially for those managing injuries throughout the season. (09:10-09:42) Kyle Tucker’s unique swing and disciplined approach make him highly effective at making contact and generating power. (10:11-11:06) Adjusting to Wrigley Field’s conditions is part of the team's hitting strategy, likened to choosing the right golf club based on the environment and personal strengths.
