Why's the power down has been a big discussion this year. His ISO Slugging is down almost 100 points. A lot has been said about him not getting good pitches, etc.
But I have noticed him taking a lot of good pitches as well. I don't know if he's guessing more or what. But here's some numbers to back it up.
In Strike Zone Swing %:
Votto
2007 - 74
2008 - 73
2009 - 74
2010 - 73
2011 - 66
Another piece of evidence that might show a lack of HR's is this:
His Line Drive percentage is up 8% this year, FB % is down 4%. At the same time, his HR/FB % is down by over 10%
So, although I do think the 66 in zone swing percent is an issue...
I actually think evidence is pointing that he is a better hitter this year, but it just isn't producing the power we expect. By better, I mean the actual hit tool is better. I'm not saying he is more productive this year, just that he is a more talented hitter. More numbers to represent this:
Out of zone swing % is down 5.7%
In zone contact % is up 3%
Contact % is up 1%
First pitch strike % is down 8.2% (you gotta take it for it to be a ball right?)
Swing and miss % is down 2%
LD% is up 8.1%
GB and FB rates are down by 3.8% and 4.3%
BABIP average is a career high of .381 compared to last years .361
Alright, I know that was a lot of numbers and %'s. So digest, then post. Thanks for reading.
http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx...latediscipline