This article in yesterday's Daily News by Paul Hagen speculates that Burrell's hitting may have something to do with poor eyesight. In order to hit the ball you have to be able to see it and see it very well at that. So any decrease in visibility would lead to poor hitting.
It would also help explain why Burrell (who has declined all interview requests this offseasaon) has led the majors in taking called third strikes in each of the last two seasons (68 times in 2005 and 63 last year) while frequently swinging at pitches far out of the strike zone.
Back when I still playing baseball and had to start wearing glasses it made a huge difference to my batting so I know exactly what he is talking about.
Arbuckle doesn't think its so much in his eyes, but more in his swing.
"A lot of it is that he comes off the pitch so much that he loses track of the ball when it gets out over the plate," Arbuckle noted. "We all see the same thing in his approach. His swing gets real long."So, yes, I'm not sure how much he sees the ball, but I think it's more because of his body position."
Burrell's swings almost never looked real pretty last year and often times looked like he was trying too hard and swinging for the fences.
I think Manuel has the best comments for Burrell, though Manuel was the manager of Burrell last year I hope he said these things to him during the season as it was obvious he was struggling.
"So what you have to do is focus on the ball from the moment it leaves the pitcher's hand. The key to his success is to concentrate and relax."
All I have to say is good luck, Pat. Right now you are still our starting left fielder and if you start to perform like you can then Philly will love you again.
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