Kris Bryant hadn’t homered since July 18.
That’s 11 full days without a sparkling shot of Bryant power, which is just far, far too long to wait. Thankfully, last night, he indulged us with this bomb:
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That one didn’t even go 500 feet! What are you trying to do to us, Bryant!?
I kid, of course, both about the distance and the brief homer layoff. It’s fun to note that, although Bryant has been in something of a slump since that previous homer, the numbers really weren’t that bad (for just 11 games):Â .194/.326/.278. Sure, the power was lacking, but the walk rate was still excellent (11.6%), the strikeout rate was still manageable (25.6%), and the .280 BABIP was probably a little lower than it “should” have been.
All in all, for me, if a guy goes through that kind of “slump,” but isn’t striking out 40% of the time and is still taking his walks, I’m feeling pretty good.
Also last night, Kyle Schwarber hit a two-run, walk-off homer for the Daytona Cubs in extra innings. I don’t have any video of that one, so you’ll just have to use your imagination:
So, the @daytonacubs won last night on a walk-off homer from Kyle Schwarber. That's neat. #Hulk pic.twitter.com/P0QsG2D7mq
— Brett Taylor (@BleacherNation) July 30, 2014
You can also read about the game here.
Since his promotion to High-A, Schwarber’s ridiculous numbers have come down quite a bit –Â .265/.387/.408 – but (1) the FSL is a notoriously difficult-for-power league, (2) it’s all a small sample, (3) the .282 BABIP will probably come up, (4) he’s walked and struck out at identical (and awesome) 16.1% rates, and (5) that line is still good enough for a .371 wOBA and 132 wRC+.
The promotion was arguably a touch aggressive, and Schwarber seems to be handling himself fine. As with Bryant, I’m feeling pretty good.