Brian McCann Struggling To Find His Power As A Yankee

Jun 6, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; New York Yankees catcher Brian McCann (34) triples with the bases loaded against the Kansas City Royals during the third inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

When the Yankees announced the signing of free agent catcher Brian McCann, it brought a world of excitement to Yankees’ fans everywhere. After all, he was a no-brainer, and a perfect fit for Yankees Stadium. Experts predicted he would hit 30 home runs easily in the hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium. Even McCann himself thought it would be nice to not have to cheat on fastballs like he had to do in the pitcher-friendly Turner Field.

But it’s been anything but exciting for McCann, as he is hitting just .225 this season, with just 7 homers and 22 RBI. McCann has always been somewhat of a swing and miss guy, but he seems to be whiffing a lot more this season. McCann also seems to be having a difficult time adjusting to the extreme shifts teams have been using on him. He has been hitting the ball the other way more lately, like he did for a 3-run double against the Royals the other night, but that may be the problem. Because he is not using his normal aggressive swing, he seems to be overpowered by fastballs, because he’s always looking for something to shoot the other way.

When a hitter is being pitched the other way, he is forced to the look to shoot he ball to the opposite field, which can take away a hitter’s power source, his legs. Hitting the ball the other way has McCann reaching, and he’s not able to get his usual torque behind his swing. McCann could benefit from being a little more patient at the plate, and waiting for mistakes at the plate, instead going outside of his strengths and trying to go the other way.