GOODYEAR, Arizona – At the start of spring training, hitters did a drill in the batting cages where they stood in a near post-swing stance. Most of their weight was on their front leg and they were leaning forward.
Then hitters tried to make solid contact from that position. It’s an awkward stance – and led to some awkward swings – but it’s one of the ways the Cincinnati Reds are emphasizing a solid foundation when they are swinging through pitches.
For a team that plays 81 games at Great American Ball Park, the offense really underperformed last season.