Dodgers News: Chris Taylor Speaks Towards His Offensive Surge
Without question, Chris Taylor is back to being the version of himself we all fell in love with. On Monday – in a 5-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves – Taylor again served as the catalyst.
While Taylor got off to a start that had everyone surrounding Dodgers-lore concerned, he’s risen above it with opportunity and a few big swings. Joe Davis and Rick Krajewski highlighted some of the damage Taylor has inflicted on opponents over the past four games. Furthermore, it’s the type of hot streak that could provide him with major confidence the rest of the way.
Chris Taylor is 9-last-16 with 6 RBI.
— Joe Davis (@Joe_Davis) May 7, 2019
Looking back a bit, CT3 has actually been getting it done for a little while now.
Taylor spoke with J.P. Hoornstra of the OC Register about his offensive surge. He sounds like a player that knows he’s survived the worst of times.
“Maybe a week or two ago I kind of got my mechanics where I wanted them,” Taylor said. “It just took a few games for me to get settled in to where I got comfortable in the box and I could trust it – go in there, take the pressure off myself, relax, and trust that it’s going to happen instead of trying to force it to happen.”
Still, Taylor feels like his manager and team sticking with him through the low’s has allowed him to survive and adapt. Certainly, Taylor will not forget Dave Roberts’ patience during a slump that saw him striking out at an alarming rate.
“It’s been big that he’s stuck with me through that first month,” Taylor said. “I was really grinding there. I definitely owe him some credit for continuing to throw me out there. I know not every manager would do that. I’m appreciative that I was able to continue to go out there. Now I’m in a position where I can help the team.”
Now, the Dodgers have some semblance of the player who posted bWAR’s of 4.8 and 4.1 respectively the last two seasons. With A.J. Pollock on the shelf, and a number of other Dodgers struggling to find their way; a resurgent Taylor is just what the doctor ordered.
It is great to see Taylor “settling in.” Lately, when he steps up to bat, he looks more comfortable and ready to deal with whatever is being served. The Dodgers are definitely benefiting and we, Dodgers fans, are loving it.
I’ll admit I’ve been critical of Taylor, stating he’s an automatic-out. I hope he can continue to hit, especially since Pollock is on IL and he bats right-handed!
“And he bats right-handed” That is a key here, especially with Pollock out for a while. Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, the Dodgers or any other team won’t get too far if the only real productive offense comes from the left side of the plate, period!
I know they traded 3-right-handed hitters, Puig(he hits RHP better than LHP), Kemp, and Farmer. I probably would have kept Farmer because he’s also a catcher. How many ex-Dodgers are on the Reds, let’s see, Puig, Farmer, Jose Peraza, Scott Schebler. Kemp, ex-Dodger, released by Reds. I think the Dodgers could use Peraza, 2nd-base, RHH. They say bad trades are part of baseball.