Dodgers: Breaking Down Cody Bellinger’s Batting Stance Changes
Cody Bellinger made his 2021 Cactus League debut Monday going 0-3 in the Dodgers 7-2 loss to the Brewers. Bellinger spent the offseason and the first weeks of spring training recovering from offseason shoulder surgery.
But his shoulder wasn’t the story in his return to the lineup, his new open stance was.
We break down Cody Bellinger’s new look at the plate and react to his and Dave Roberts’ comments on his first action of the spring. Plus, what to expect from the former MVP this season!
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Join your DNpostgame host Doug McKain while we break down all the latest with your LA Dodgers. We use our 800,000 fans from Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook to gain insight into what the fans are thinking and do our best to represent all perspectives in the Dodgers Community!
NEXT: Kody Hoese Credits His Development to Justin Turner and Time at Alternate Site in 2020
If there’s a difference us fans can tell from Cody Bellinger’s swings, it’s that “pop” sound generated from the torque of his swings we no longer hear since 2019. We heard a lot of that “pop” sound in 2017, it fizzled out a bit in 2018 and was back more frequently in 2019. Cody is not a natural power hitter, most of his power came from the massive swing. I don’t know about the new stand, I think only Cody can figure it out, it may have something to do with not putting too much pressure on his right shoulder. Either way, I’m 99% sure Cody will have a lot more singles this year, his power will be way down, between 15 – 18 HRs. I would be very surprised if Cody hits over 20 HRs this year, but if he can hit .300 BA, it won’t matter much. He’s got the speed to go for 40 stolen bases if he can’t deliver power.
Frankly, Cody has had a WAR of 4+ per full season of play each of his 4 years. And he has had the shoulder issue since day 1. What if his shoulder had been 100% those years? My guess is he will have a really good year. As hard as he hits the ball, I think he will always have high home run numbers. I saw a lot of hard hit balls last year that were right at a defender. And now with that shoulder pop out issue in the rear view mirror, he SHOULD see an uptick in his contact rate. Cody keeps trying to improve as a hitter. He needs to be commended for that. And maybe this is a repeat of his MVP campaign.
Oh dear, it is even worse than last year. Please Cody, drop all the nonsense, and just to a more ‘normal’ stance. Square up, feet shoulder width apart, load your legs / bend your knees. Hand look go though, just square up and load and launch.
Coach Wright
Coach Wright you need to proofread your comments before you post them.
Coach Wright
(corrected comment that makes sense)
Oh dear, it is even worse than last year. Please Cody, drop all the nonsense, and just go to a more ‘normal’ stance. Square up, feet shoulder width apart, load your legs / bend your knees. Hands look good though, just square up and load and launch.
Coach Wright
I don’t know why the Dodger hitting coaches haven’t fixed his swing stance. Every commentator in last years games, who were ex-players, all said his stance was woncky. Fix it for the good, quit standing on top of the plate and fix your swing as suggested by alot of former batting kings. Also, listen to Coach Wright! Swing away.