The Big League Approach

10yr MLB Veteran OF - (Phillies, Indians, Pirates, Astros) University of Miami HOF MiLB Hitting Coach Nationals 2013 #baseball #tampa #battingcages #mlb

[The Big League Approach @JMikeMLB]

@EricNiesen More childish bs. Don’t compare it to football. There needs to be relationship between the C and P. They make the adjustments from pitch to pitch. Not a coach from the side(dugout). Might as well tell your hitters whether to swing or take. Video game bs

[The Big League Approach @JMikeMLB]

@ballknower4011 @astros Re-read my post. There isn’t much movement on FBs anyway. The TV makes it look a lot different

[The Big League Approach @JMikeMLB]

It’s not the pitch it’s the LOCATION. #pitching @astros

[The Launch Angle @LaunchAngleHOU]

Does Mike Burrows have one of the worst four-seamers in baseball at this moment?

Yes, he does.

[Larry Thomas “LT” @LT1650]

For all the Transfer Portal Puppies.

Be ready to settle.

Most of you will.

Be smart!

Go where you will play and be loved.

Coaches will lie

Trust in your ability

Most of all “Be realistic”

[The Big League Approach @JMikeMLB]

@tiltbase I disagree. But each hitter is unique. Not all hitters swing the same MPH.

[The Big League Approach @JMikeMLB]

I don’t hate data at all. We had PLENTY of data back 20/25 years ago when I played and most of it was still TOO MUCH. Too much confuses the hitter. It’s so hard to hit regardless of data or not. Hitters AREN’T mathematicians. Stop treating them that way.

Keep it simple.

Sit FB and react to soft.

#hitting

[T.I.L.T Athletics @tiltbase]

@JMikeMLB Old school baseball says sit FB and adjust to offspeed. 2026 stats against all offspeed pitches:

W/ bat speed >= 72mph (72mph is league average)

.266 BA .499 SLG

W/ bat speed <=71 mph

.181 BA .233 SLG

Why do you hate data so much? The big leaguers are telling you the answer.

[The Big League Approach @JMikeMLB]

85% swing ISN’T s slower swing. It’s actually being quicker to the ball. This is what “analytics” doesn’t tell you. I’ve done this SO many times wrong where I would swing 100% and miss. And there were times where I swung less(75-85%) and hit the dogshit out of the ball.
100% is too LONG of a swing. Takes longer to get to ball.

[T.I.L.T Athletics @tiltbase]

@JMikeMLB That being said—there is clear evidence to the benefits of higher bat speeds.

Let’s use your example of swinging at 85%

Data shows If player A 85% intent swing is 70 mph and player B 85% intent swing is 78 mph, player B is more likely to be successful all else equal.

[The Big League Approach @JMikeMLB]

85% swing ISN’T s slower swing. It’s actually being quicker to the ball. This is what “analytics” doesn’t tell you. I’ve done this SO many times wrong where I would swing 100% and miss. And there were times where I swung less(75-85%) and hit the dogshit out of the ball.
100% is too LONG of a swing. Takes longer to get to ball.

[The Big League Approach @JMikeMLB]

Here we go again with “bat speed”. It has nothing to do with his bat speed. Why even waste time questioning this metric? It has ZERO relevance to why he may be struggling at the plate. I know why. It’s his APPROACH. As an MLB hitter, the adjustments are in the head. NOT THE SWING or mechanics. But organizations today have NO IDEA how to help hitters. Just about everyone in these organizations are math/analytic people and people who haven’t played at the MLB level who don’t know how to help. They only know how to get players to CHASE the metrics and don’t understand what adjustments to make.

Just simple facts but these organizations think they have the answers. Fans will continue to be more frustrated with their teams.
#baseball @Phillies

[Ben Silver @BenHSilver]

Bohm's bat speed has gone down a full mph this year from his career averages.

Could be one of the many sources of his struggles this year.

[The Big League Approach @JMikeMLB]

Most of those numbers don’t take into account a myriad of factors that are not measurable. Stop it. Trust me I’ve been in baseball 40+ years AND played at the highest level for a long time.

I can help you. Not trying to be a dick. I really truly want to help people. I may have come off as a dick but I’m constantly dealing with people that THINK they know more but have never been in the game at that level.

[The Big League Approach @JMikeMLB]

This is NOT what to teach but I wouldn’t expect anything less from people who HAVEN’T been through the grind of failing at this game THEN make the necessary adjustments. Swing harder = a lot less adjustability before contact(higher error/swing miss rate). EVERY hitter is unique. Train them by what works for THEM!

Swinging harder DOES not work!

[T.I.L.T Athletics @tiltbase]

@JMikeMLB Just could not disagree more.

Slower bat speed = start swing earlier = less time to make a decision and do damage.

The data backs this up too

2026 league BA/SLG

Bat speed >=72 mph:
.250/.401

<=71 MPH:
.208/.274

Which guy you rather have?

[The Big League Approach @JMikeMLB]

@tiltbase You are getting/giving bad information.

[The Big League Approach @JMikeMLB]

@tiltbase Those numbers mean absolutely nothing to me. Not sure how you don’t agree or where you get your “experience” from disagreeing with me.

[The Big League Approach @JMikeMLB]

@tiltbase I think most of today’s hitters are over swinging. 75/80% is all you need

[The Big League Approach @JMikeMLB]

Or today’s MLB hitters would take that middle/middle FB because the “analytics” say to sit on a 90 mph slider.

Listen to the players that been there before. Not a spreadsheet, hitters!

We had plenty of analytics back in the day but went off doing our OWN scouting report (videos, past ABs, hitting coach input and teammate’s input).
#hitting

[Larry Thomas “LT” @LT1650]

@JMikeMLB @astros Middle/Middle fastball will get crushed 99% of the time in MLB

[The Big League Approach @JMikeMLB]

He needs to figure it out. Contracts that big DO NOT have down years. It’s all on him to make the adjustments which should be sooner than later. Bottom line is he needs to get back to focusing on good AB’s instead of results. Focus on what you can CONTROL. Results will be there.
@Mets

[Roger @Roger774501171]

Bichette has struggled before , a couple years ago. But damn he didn’t even look this bad . Is this a Mets hitting philosophy problem ?, player just having an off year ? Perhaps but I think it’s a player that can’t handle playing under the NY lights problem. LGM

[NorCalU @NorCalU1]

Pitchers should have the ability to shake to what they want that have confidence in

[The Big League Approach @JMikeMLB]

@DavidPSamson F no. These entitled kids need to grow up and respect the game. It’s an honor and privilege to play in MLB. Stop coddling them. No excuses!

[John Rich🇺🇸 @johnrich]

If the KC Chiefs are still the Chiefs, and the Atlanta Braves are still the Braves, then why are the Cleveland Indians the Guardians and the Washington Redskins the Commanders?

[The Big League Approach @JMikeMLB]

I have an idea…no analytics or tech before the game. Go up and believe that you’re the best hitter. Keep it simple!
@Phillies #hitting

[SPORTSRADIO 94WIP @SportsRadioWIP]

Don Mattingly on the Phillies' struggling offense: "We're looking into it and trying everything we can to help these guys."

(via: @mruram)