Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at the cutting-edge world of baseball training! We're diving into Driveline's hitting lab, where the future of the sport is being shaped. But here's the catch: it's a controversial approach that's dividing opinions.
In the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona, Driveline's 15,000-square-foot facility is a testament to the pursuit of excellence. On its walls hang 16 broken baseball bats, a symbol of the intense training required to succeed in an era dominated by pitchers.
Enter Edgar Quero, a 22-year-old Chicago White Sox catcher with a unique skill set. He's got an eye for the strike zone and a talent for connecting with the ball, but his bat speed and launch angle need work. Quero is determined to improve and bridge the gap between hitters and pitchers, and he's turned to Driveline for guidance.
Driveline, with its facilities across three states, has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing baseball. Initially known for its pitching innovations, it's now using its expertise to help hitters fight back against the dominance of pitchers. And this is the part most people miss: Driveline's approach is not without its critics.
Tanner Stokey, Driveline's hitting director, is well aware of the controversy. He believes that while it's harder than ever to hit, his team has played a significant role in that challenge. But he also sees the need for hitters to adapt and improve.
The numbers don't lie: MLB has seen some of its lowest batting averages since 2021, and strikeout rates are at an all-time high. Many blame the focus on bat speed and launch angle, two of Driveline's core principles. They argue that this pursuit has made the sport less appealing and too homogeneous.
However, Stokey believes it's not just about the numbers. Pitchers have access to advanced technology, allowing them to make drastic improvements to their game from one start to the next. It's a technological arms race, and hitters need to keep up.
Driveline's approach is about understanding and maximizing bat speed and launch angle within the right context. It's about using precise data and strategic implementation to give hitters an edge. And the results speak for themselves: almost 100 former Driveline employees are now working with major league organizations, bringing their data-driven expertise to the field.
Quero's journey began with a range-of-motion test and a series of jumps on Driveline's force plates. These tests measure force generation and reproduction, feeding into a model that predicts bat speed and pitch velocity. Quero's results highlighted areas for improvement, especially in his bat speed and launch angle, which were among the lowest in the sport.
Quero's background is unique. Born in Cuba, he defected to Haiti and then the Dominican Republic before signing with the Angels. He was traded to the White Sox, where he was encouraged to embrace analytics and improve his bat speed.
Driveline's hitting program gained traction thanks to Shohei Ohtani. In 2018, Ohtani visited Driveline's base in Washington, and his success inspired curiosity among other hitters. Since then, Driveline has worked with around 40 major league hitters, all seeking to improve their game.
During Quero's assessment, the focus was on his bat speed, which ranked 217th among qualifiers. Driveline's hitting program is dedicated to maximizing this aspect, and Quero was shown the potential gains: every one mph increase in bat speed equates to 1.2 mph in exit velocity and an additional 7 feet of batted-ball distance.
Quero's issues were multifaceted. His power generation through jumps was below average, and his point of contact was too deep, giving him less time to accelerate the bat. His launch angle, especially when pulling the ball, was a concern, and his attack angle was too steep.
To address these issues, Quero was put through a series of unconventional drills, including hitting same-side breaking balls and using different training bats. The goal was to force him to stay closed with his hips and improve his timing.
Driveline's Scottsdale facility, opened in 2022, is a hub for players during their offseasons. A two-day assessment like Quero's costs $7,500, with full offseason and year-long programs available for those seeking to take their game to the next level.
Quero's journey with Driveline is just beginning. He hopes to implement the drills and see improvements throughout his sophomore season. The staff believes that with more time and dedication, Quero can make significant gains and become a more productive hitter.
So, what do you think? Is Driveline's approach the future of baseball training, or is it a controversial path that might not pay off? Let's discuss in the comments!
