Yankees: Giancarlo Stanton’s Bat is as Cold as Ice

What was colder during the past weekend in New York: the weather or Giancarlo Stanton’s bat? Relax Yankees fans, everything will be ok.

During the Yankees first homestand of the season reigning MVP, Giancarlo Stanton had a week to forget. He began his New York debut with an 0 for 5, five strikeout performance. The jeers turned to cheers the next day as Stanton hit a mammoth home run. However, that was short-lived as he ended the weekend with an 0 for 7 day including another five strikeouts with last coming on the game’s final out with two runners on.

He had a really bad week. He hit only .167 (3 for 28) with 16 strikeouts in six games during the Yankees homestand. Overall, of his 42 at-bats, close to 47 percent have ended with Stanton striking out (20). If history is any indication of what to expect, next month will be even worse.

Over the past three years, Stanton’s May batting averages are .299, .173, and .185, respectively. At Stanton’s current pace, he is on target to hit 49 home runs but also strikeout 324 times! Such a staggering clip has nervous Yankees fans biting their nails. But in the words of the great Aaron Rogers, “everyone needs to R-E-L-A-X.”

Stanton might be pressing to impress the Yankee faithful. During his at-bats this weekend, his feet were rocking at the plate and many of his swings were out in front of breaking pitches. As the boos rained down from the rafters, Stanton became more rattled and looked to change his fortunes with one big swing. He was leaning on pitches, using only his hands, and not generating any power from his legs.

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Today’s off day should help him work on his timing. He needs to go back and focus on his mechanics, stay back on pitches and remain balanced throughout his swing. He also needs to let the game come naturally to him.

No one hits 59 home runs as a fluke and over the past decade, (when healthy) Stanton is widely regarded as one of the best power hitters. He has not been known to get off to hot starts early in the season but he always heats up quickly and in bulk.

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Last year, Stanton his 33 homers after the All-Star break. Even if Stanton is on an extended hiatus during April and May, it won’t be much of a surprise if he ends the year with over 60 home runs. Relax Yankee fans!