Mark Trumbo and Brandon Belt setting the pace thus far
Mar 31, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants first baseman Brandon Belt (right) is congratulated by Michael Morse after scoring in the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks during opening day baseball game at Chase Field. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
It may only be a week into the new season, but already, Mark Trumbo and Brandon Belt are setting the home run pace. Trumbo, of the Arizona Diamondbacks has five, whilst Belt, of the San Francisco Giants has four.
Despite many concerns over Trumbo defensively – after he moved to left field – he has shown the fans why the Diamondbacks traded for him, exhibiting the raw power he possesses. Belt, on the other hand, entered the season with much optimism. Giants fans were positive 2014 was going to be Belt’s breakout year, and thus far, he certainly is enroute to have a career year.
Apr 3, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Mark Trumbo hits a two run home run in the sixth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
The statistics suggest Trumbo is on for a big year. While it is only a week into the new season, Trumbo’s strikeout percentage has dropped around 9% from his average over the last few years. His isolated power is sky high, sitting at .457. Although this will evidently drop, it should still remain very high throughout the year. He has also 12 runs batted in and scored seven runs on top of his five home runs.
Belt’s statistics are somewhat puzzling. His fly ball percentage has dropped a few percent and his strikeout percentage has raised a few percent, whilst his groundball to flyball ratio sits at 0.88. However, he has a 50% home run per fly ball percentage. He has compiled his four home runs and seven runs batted in and seven runs scored. While the numbers don’t suggest he is a lethal hitter, they do suggest when he is getting his pitch, he is crushing it. If he can stay locked in he can have a massive year.
If the two sluggers continue the way they’ve started, they should both have big years. The two franchises will square off at AT&T park for a three game series beginning on Tuesday. The baseball world will be watching to see if the two batter can continue their own personal home-run-derby.