Comments on: What Can We Expect From Didi Gregorius in 2016? http://bronx.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2016/03/22/what-can-we-expect-from-didi-gregorius-in-2016/ Just another Baseball Prospectus Local Sites site Thu, 06 Dec 2018 13:34:17 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1 By: mosc http://bronx.locals.baseballprospectus.com/2016/03/22/what-can-we-expect-from-didi-gregorius-in-2016/#comment-5067 Fri, 25 Mar 2016 21:12:33 +0000 http://bronx.locals.baseballprospectus.com/?p=2724#comment-5067 What was most striking was how poorly Gregorius was defensively in the first half of 2015 compared to earlier in his career and also to the second half of 2015. He settled down so well that there was some Gold Glove buzz around him by the end of the season. I think that also carries some weight when you look at his bat too. He was clearly dealing with more than just plate adjustments in the first half of 2015. I’d also point to marked body language changes and also more communication with his teammates. Gregorius speaks 4 languages fluently which has really helped him bond with both the Latin and American players both well represented in the Yankee clubhouse. I wouldn’t be surprised if he spoke a little Japanese too.

Approach wise Didi took a lot more first pitches and attacked more ferociously when ahead in the count compared to a more “count-neutral” approach prior. He became a much better hitter when ahead in the count looking to produce and not just avoid the out. Coupled along with better patience that really made a noticeable change for him.

There are so many things to point to for Gregorius’s second half emergence that it’s very easy to be excited about his 2016 season. Few doubters think he’ll be more like his first half self than his second half self. He’s always been well regarded as a talent. I think he’s “for real”.

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