SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Rockies outfielder Raimel Tapia starts an at-bat with a stance typical of most hitters.
The left-handed batter approaches the plate and awaits the pitch with a slight bend in both knees. As the ball nears, he brings his right leg forward and straightens it so it extends just beyond home plate as he initiates his swing.
At least that’s his approach until he has two strikes against him. Then it all changes.
“When I get low, I feel comfortable,” he said. “I am in there and ready to hit. It is something that I do.