Cameron Maybin's hot start

by cool hand Charlie on Sep 20, 2008 11:52 AM EDT Comment 16 comments

Maybin was recalled from Double A Carolina on Septermber 16th and thrust directly into Florida's leadoff role. All Maybin has done is go 9 for 11 with 2 walks, 2 stolen bases, 6 runs scored, 1 RBI and 1 strikeout.

Hanley Ramirez offered up some advice for Maybin that already made a difference.  Watching Maybin's pinch-hit single on TV, Ramirez noticed that the 21-year-old was a tad slow in his approach.

"Hanley told me the first game I was here to get [my swing] started early," Maybin said. "I was starting a little bit late, and he saw that, and I've really been making a conscious effort to get myself started early, and getting something in my zone to hit. It's just helped me be on time with those guys."

Obviously Maybin won't hit .818 in the majors over a full season. But its nice to see a top prospect get off to such a fast start. It should build his confidence for the future and also build confidence in him from his teammates about his abilities.

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On Maybin's bandwagon

Excellent post.

I have been one of the few Maybin supporters from Day 1 on this blog community. Many detractors cited his high strikeout numbers and ground ball -to-fly ball ratios as reasons to discount his potential but I have reasoned that his seven tool talent and his age would allow him to make the necessary adjustments.

I know three games is a very small sample but it is so astonishing to see the vast improvements in his game:

      * His new swing is more compact swing
      * Improved strike zone judgment
      * Tremendous outfield routes

Chalk one up for talent winning over statistics.

by bryeic on Sep 20, 2008 12:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And if he goes into a slump for a few games should we chalk one up for statistics winning over talent? Even you said it’s a small sample yet you declare a winner.

Anyways, it’s not like statistics hate Maybin, he is always young for his level and he has still performed despite the red flags that you mentioned.

by bigboy1234 on Sep 20, 2008 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Either way

If you watch Maybin’s new swing and improved approach it is obvious that he has a great foundation for his immense talents to flourish.

I would be equally giddy if he was 1 for 11 as long as his swing and approach remains the same.

by bryeic on Sep 20, 2008 2:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

...

I traded Figgins for Maybin before the trade block in my league…Very excited right about now

by smk1363 on Sep 20, 2008 12:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

+1

by bryeic on Sep 20, 2008 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybin's new swing

A season-ticket-holder friend of mine said today that he likes Maybin’s new swing. “He’s just trying to make contact with the ball” is what he said. I fear that means that he’s no longer trying to hit for power. Any truth to this?

by psugator on Sep 20, 2008 2:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

See Brandon Wood

It is very common for young HS hitter with power potential to get their swing retooled into a more compact swing a la Brandon Wood.

Once the player gets used to it, the power potential becomes realized more consistently. Both GM’s expect Maybin and Wood to realize their power potential.

What you want to avoid is an inside out swing ala Matt Tiuasosopo and Conor Jackson where the player sacrifices power for contact.

by bryeic on Sep 20, 2008 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've seen some ridiculous comments about small samples of MLB play

but this has to take the cake.

11 at bats. Seriously. Mein Gott. I like Maybin a lot, but 9 singles on 10 balls in play is a result which has utterly no predictive value whatsoever.

Your 2008 Athletics: It's Nothing Personal.

by PaulThomas on Sep 20, 2008 2:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Jump on the bandwagon

Not too late … don’t be a hater :-)

by bryeic on Sep 20, 2008 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

When Jay Bruce walked 10 times in his first 13 games, all his fanboys breathlessly proclaimed that his horrible, god-awful strike zone judgement to be a thing of the past. Of course it only took him another 71 games before he walked another 10 times.

I reject your reality and substitute my own.

by WayneCampbell08 on Sep 20, 2008 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Saw the Marlins/Phils game last night

Looked good, but all his hits came off fastballs. He swung and missed by about 2 feet on one of the few curve balls he saw. I’ll be interested to see how he handles offspeed stuff the rest of the year.

by Southwest on Sep 20, 2008 5:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

didn't last long

1-5 4 K’s

by Bravesin07 on Sep 20, 2008 11:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Does anybody remember

when Cameron Maybin was good?

Those were the days

www.loftylantern.com

by OldProspects on Sep 21, 2008 1:02 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seems like only yesterday, in fact....

We’ll just have to see if he can “rebound” from the 193-point drop in batting average!

by BobbyMac on Sep 21, 2008 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That would be a comeback for the ages

Screw Bobby Thompson’s home-run – let’s see him match Maybin’s return

www.loftylantern.com

by OldProspects on Sep 22, 2008 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

he's worthless

send him down

"If you hit .440 with 20 bombs, you don't have to do s---. You don't have to bring a glove to practice, just hit and leave whenever you want. You can bring a 40 and smoke a cigarette and call me from the parking lot asking me what time the game is, and I'll tell you. You can even say 'F--- you, Steve!' Actually, don't say that, that wouldn't be very nice." -Steve Friend, Head Coach, Chabot College Gladiators Baseball

by flipgatey3 on Sep 22, 2008 4:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs