Dodgers: MLB Network Says Cody Bellinger Is Bonds and Griffey Rolled Into One
When you hear your name called alongside the greatest to ever swing a bat, heads turn. Recently, some comparisons were drawn between Cody Bellinger and Bo Jackson. That was based upon sheer athleticism between the two, generations apart.
Now, MLB Network has a segment featuring former MLB player Cliff Floyd breaking down Bellinger’s swing mechanics. Equally important, Floyd brings video comparisons of Ken Griffey Jr. and Barry Bonds to life alongside Bellinger.
One of the highlights of the YouTube game was @CliffFloyd30's breakdown and comp of @Cody_Bellinger.
Junior, Bonds, and Belli in the same sentence? Wow! pic.twitter.com/jBRE71JHK1
— Clint Pasillas (@realFRG) July 19, 2019
Floyd feels like the two players are a good comparison as hitters due to similarities in their swing.
We do comps in this building. Barry Bonds comes to mind, and then Junior. Why? Because they keep it easy, calm, cool, and collected. And when they went direct to the baseball, they did damage.
Furthermore, Floyd says there are specifics that could make Bellinger baseball’s next Bonds or Griffey Jr.; an incredibly exciting possibility when you think of that way.
Look at the similarities right there. Not a lot of width, very narrow. Then look at where there hands are – every one of them goes to a straight path to the ball. That is where you look at Cody and say you know where you’re headed.
Truthfully, I have long believed that Bellinger had one of the prettiest swings in baseball. Indeed, before the records were being broken; I just thought he had one of those natural lefty swings that you can’t teach. You’re either born with it, or you aren’t.
Now, this is confirmation from a former big leaguer who knows hitting that Bellinger is a rare breed. He has an OPS at the current time that brings back memories of Bonds and Griffey during their finest seasons.
If you remember the days of their sweet swings on highlight reels across America, Bellinger takes you back each time he connects with a fastball. MLB Network did a great job with this segment.
Thanks for sharing that, Bellinger does have an amazing whip-like swing. He doesn’t have a lot of peripheral movement to impact his timing very simple as they point out.
I always hate to see young players with complicated swings that are not direct to the ball.
I think Verdugo also has a very simple approach and will have an increase in power as he works with the Dodger hitting coaches. Beaty is another guy with a quick simple approach.
The Dodgers get kudos for recognizing Bellinger’s talent and bringing him up early and keeping him with the club.
The Future looks bright for Bellinger and the Dodgers with incredible young talent at the Major League level and guys like Smith and Lux due up soon. They are one of the best teams in baseball and one of the youngest and have a top 5 Farm Club a scary scenario for teams in the NL. They should Dominate baseball for years to come….
Yep, get to see Gameday everyday and live or recorded 2 or 3 times a week. And always HAVE to see Codys at bats and Clayton pitching. My wife and I saw us beat St Louis a couple years ago (Codys rookie year). He hit a rocket for a home run. You blinked- you missed. Knew he could be a special player at that point forward.
I mean, Cody is great. But my god he’s not gonna win 7 MVPs and have a 1400 ops season.