Dodgers Team News

Dodgers Hitting Coach Robert Van Scoyoc Reveals His Philosophy

The Los Angeles Dodgers uncovered a real gem when they hired Robert Van Scoyoc to be their hitting coach this past offseason. Obviously, Los Angeles’ current success is due in part to the philosophy and strategy employed by Van Scoyoc. Currently, the Dodgers rank fourth in team hitting in baseball and first in the National league. After losing Turner Ward to Cincinnati in the winter, it was key for this unit to remain stable to have a chance to compete for a third straight World Series appearance.

Now, Von Scoyoc is profiled by Pedro Moura over at The Athletic. Furthermore, the two are talking over some of the brains behind what we see on-screen game over game in regards to the Dodgers’ approach in the box.



Van Scoyoc’s knowledge of a hitter typically runs deep before he ever begins working with him.

First off, Van Scoyoc never comes to the case of a new hitter without extensive knowledge of the player he will be working with.

“I know where he was drafted, how his career went in the minor leagues, what he’s been good at, where he’s struggled, his strengths and weaknesses,”

This is both important, and interesting. By going off the next thing Van Scoyoc says, it seems like a lot of new personnel arrives in a big league city with a team trying to learn him on the fly. Right now, with Van Scoyoc and the boys at the helm; that’s not the case.

“There’s a little bit quicker of a learning curve that we have than the average big-league hitting coach, who is reading a scouting report and going off reputation and other people’s opinions. We have our own opinions formed on these guys, and I think that makes it a lot easier.”

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Recently, Sports Illustrated said the Dodgers have one of the deepest benches in the history of the game; statistically speaking. Therefore, many rookies have shuttled up and down from AAA to the big league roster and contributed as reserves. Equally important, Van Scoyoc isn’t trying to change who they are when they get to the big stage.

“You don’t want guys to come up here and learn new ways of doing things. They should be prepared. To me, that’s the whole point of player development. And we still view this as player development.”

Time and again, hitters have glowed when talking about working with Van Scoyoc and associates. If the Los Angeles Dodgers fall short of the ultimate goal in 2019, it won’t be because of the lack of quality work by their hitting coach.

Staff Writer

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5 Comments

  1. Scoyoc had better get to work on Bellinger.
    Bellinger’s swing decisions have gotten way off track.
    Automatic choke out / strike out of late.

    Also Pollock is terrible against righties, yet Roberts keeps playing him against righties
    WTH?

    Plus: Will Hernandez ever learn to hit low & away strikes, and take low & away balls.

  2. Dodgers appeared on their heels and lacked patience at the plate vs NY.
    NY pitching was high level all series – give them props. Dodgers seemed to be pressing at home.

    1. Pathetic choke artists no matter who plays here so many different teams and players the last 30 years yet it’s always the same. One of the great mysteries and it’s unfortunate because a fan base like this yearns for beasts on the field that take what they want, it would match the fans attitude and the way they cheer for the team

  3. Is there really any sign that his ” philosophy ” is actually working? I’m sure you are just writing what they tell you, but dont you ever think about what you are writing about? Who would you point to as a example of a roster player who is actually benefited. Joc no, taylor no, kiki no, turner no, ah no, muncy no, seager no, bellinger maybe.so who have I missed? Van Scoyoc is probably very good but come on.

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