Mike Moustakas Could Suddenly Get a Lot Better
By David Hill
Mike Moustakas could suddenly get a lot better, and he would not need to do anything different in his approach at the plate.
According comments that new commissioner Rob Manfred made during an interview with ESPN, he is looking to find a way to increase scoring in baseball. One of the ways that he mentioned, without any leading questions or prompting, would be to get rid of the bane of players like Moustakas, David Ortiz and other dead pull hitters – the defensive shift.
Now, if Manfred actually goes through with this inane plan, that hole between first and second will be wide open for Mike Moustakas. Instead of actually needing to learn how to use the entire field, Moustakas, and other players of his ilk, would be able to just be themselves in the batters box, going back to playing baseball in its pure and simple form. Just hit the ball, and not worry about placing it where they are not. A bunt to beat the shift? No longer needed.
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While such a move would help Moustakas to a great extent, is this truly a good idea for baseball? Quite frankly, if a player is entirely incapable of hitting the ball the opposite way, they should be made to suffer those consequences. Just because it would help Moustakas and the Royals does not mean that it is a good idea.
However, if Manfred does put this incredibly shortsighted concept in motion, then maybe the Royals will have the Mike Moustakas they envisioned when he was a top prospect. Instead of having to work on his hitting, he can just go back to his old ways of pulling everything he sees. Ball on the outer edge? Pull it. Ball inside? Pull it. That second baseman isn’t there – what does it matter?
You know what? On second though, I recant my objections to the elimination of the defensive shift. The Royals have great infield defense and would likely get to those balls anyway. Since this may effect the opposition while helping the Royals, let’s make this happen. Get on it Manfred!
Mike Moustakas may be about to be the player the Royals hoped for. If Rob Manfred does institute this rule, lock him up long term and let the Moose run loose!