Chicitysports – Chicago Sports News Site
  • BEARS
    • Chicago Bears News
    • Chicago Bears Rumors
    • Caleb Williams news
  • BULLS
    • Michael Jordan News
    • Chicago Bulls News
    • Chicago Bulls Rumors
  • BLACKHAWKS
    • Connor Bedard News
    • Chicago Blackhawks News
    • Chicago Blackhawks Rumors
  • CUBS
    • Chicago Cubs Prospects
    • Chicago Cubs News
    • Chicago Cubs Rumors
  • WHITE SOX
    • Chicago White Sox Prospects
    • Chicago White Sox News
    • Chicago White Sox Rumors
  • SKY
  • MESSAGE BOARD
Navigation
  • About Us
  • About Us
  • Author Page Template
  • Chicago Sports News
  • Chicago Sports Podcasts
  • ChiCity+
  • Editorial policy
  • Editorial team
  • email test
  • Get In Touch
  • homepage
  • homepage
  • Join Our Group
  • Meet the team
  • Newsletter
  • Our Writers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Push notifications
  • Social Media
  • test
  • Test page
  • Testing
  • Want to Write for ChiCitySports?
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Trending
  • Multiple MLB teams inquiring for Chicago Cubs’ promising rookie this spring: Report
  • Chicago Bears could find pass rush help with undrafted free agent standout
  • Chicago Cubs’ infielder was taking ground balls at a new position before Tuesday’s game
  • Justin Turner made Chicago Cubs history with walk-off hit in 5-4 win over Marlins
  • Chicago Cubs: Reality may hit hard when it come to starting pitching issues
  • Chicago Bears rookie made poor 1st impression, showed up to practice out of shape: Report
  • Chicago Blackhawks involved in wild trade rumor with the Buffalo Sabres
  • Bulls land ‘skilled big man’ in NBA mock draft following lottery heartbreak
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Want to Write for ChiCitySports?
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Chicitysports – Chicago Sports News SiteChicitysports – Chicago Sports News Site
WANT FREE UPDATES?
  • BEARS
    • Chicago Bears News
    • Chicago Bears Rumors
    • Caleb Williams news
  • BULLS
    • Michael Jordan News
    • Chicago Bulls News
    • Chicago Bulls Rumors
  • BLACKHAWKS
    • Connor Bedard News
    • Chicago Blackhawks News
    • Chicago Blackhawks Rumors
  • CUBS
    • Chicago Cubs Prospects
    • Chicago Cubs News
    • Chicago Cubs Rumors
  • WHITE SOX
    • Chicago White Sox Prospects
    • Chicago White Sox News
    • Chicago White Sox Rumors
  • SKY
  • MESSAGE BOARD
Chicitysports – Chicago Sports News Site
Home»Cubs»Aramis Ramirez’s Approach At The Plate Thus Far
Cubs

Aramis Ramirez’s Approach At The Plate Thus Far

Zack PearsonBy Zack PearsonApril 10, 20113 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Email
AramisRamirez091808vsBrewers
AramisRamirez091808vsBrewers
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

 

Cub Third baseman Aramis Ramirez missed a total 20 days in 2010 due to a left thumb sprain; an injury which appeared to affect his bat control, as he posted the lowest contact rate and highest swinging strike rate in his entire career as a Chicago Cub. However, he smashed 25 home runs last season.

Hitting long, majestic homers have been Ramirez’s MO as a Cub, but as his age climbed, his swinging strike rate followed. Always known for a violent swing, Ramirez’s walk rate has steadily decreased the past three seasons, culminating last season, as he posted a .294 on-base percentage (for comparison’s sake, Alfonso Soriano had a higher OBP than Ramirez in 2010).

Ramirez has followed last season’s campaign with a completely different strategy at the plate, as he appears to have traded his 25-35 home run power in exchange for a more patient, contact-oriented approach to hitting.

This season Ramirez is yet to strike-out, and is drawing walks at a rate which stands more than twice his career norm . His swinging strike rate stands a career low 4.4%, as he is laying off tougher pitches to hit with what appears to be a more controlled swing.

Take a look at the offerings he’s laid off this season (as seen from the catcher):

 

Ramirez has laid off some tough pitches on the outside part of the plate, and below the strike zone.

Now let’s take a look at the pitches he’s swung at:

 

Every pitch that he’s swung at has been in the general vicinity of the strike zone, with exception to a fastball and change-up six inches off the plate. He’s basically attacking the inside part of the plate, and laying off pitches on the outer part, limiting his vulnerability to the slider low and away.

As I mentioned, Ramirez looks to have swapped this more patient, controlled approach with his infamous power. While he did just hit a two-run homer in a loss Wednesday against Arizona (located on the inside part of the plate), Ramirez’s line-drive percentage is more than half of what he has averaged for his career. Those line-drive hits have basically turned into ground balls, which have less of a chance to fall in for hits than liners. His batting average on balls in play stands at .245, which would signal for his .280 batting average to rise a bit, but with the small amount of liners comes a depressed BABIP.

WIth this year being the last on Ramirez’s contract, the third baseman has a lot to say in terms of a future contract. His 2011 season could prove to be a big one if he plays up for a big contract this upcoming offseason. Ramirez doesn’t have to hit 38 home runs like he did in 2006 to get a long-term deal. If he hits roughly for a .300 batting average and near a .400 on-base percentage to go with 20 home runs, he will walk to the open market, leaving the Cubs a Type-A draft pick compensation.

 

A Memo to the Fans

A Memo to the Fans

Read More

For More Great Chicago Sports Content

Get the latest Chicago sports news, analysis, and breaking stories on the Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs, White Sox, Sky, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News, so you never miss a story on your favorite Chicago teams.

Follow us on Twitter at @chicitysports23 for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Chicago sports news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Tumblr Email
Author Image
BY Zack Pearson

Journalist

Related Posts

Cubs May 14, 2025

Multiple MLB teams inquiring for Chicago Cubs’ promising rookie this spring: Report

Cubs May 14, 2025

Chicago Cubs’ infielder was taking ground balls at a new position before Tuesday’s game

Cubs May 13, 2025

Justin Turner made Chicago Cubs history with walk-off hit in 5-4 win over Marlins

Cubs May 13, 2025

Chicago Cubs: Reality may hit hard when it come to starting pitching issues

Cubs May 13, 2025

Chicago Cubs have very bad news on pitcher’s injury before Marlins’ game

Cubs May 13, 2025

Chicago Cubs’ veteran right-hander was an incredible under-the-radar signing this past offseason

Leave A Reply

Facebook Twitter Instagram YouTube
  • Home
  • Message Board
  • About Us
  • Editorial policy
  • Contact Us
  • Our Writers
  • Want to Write for ChiCitySports?
  • Privacy Policy
© 2025 ChiCitySports. Designed by Dope Guys Who Run ChiCitySports

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.