Cincinnati Reds: Scott Schebler home run power is the real deal
By Tim Boyle
The Cincinnati Reds are playing much better baseball than most people expected this year. One of the reasons why is because they are getting contributions from unlikely sources. In particular, the Reds are seeing a lot of home runs off the bat of right fielder Scott Schebler. Is this the real Schebler or is this just fantasy?
Although somewhat unexpected, Scott Schebler’s home run display is the real deal. The 26-year-old was a little slow to develop, but now appears ready to bash away with another National League West outcast, Adam Duvall, on a resurgent Cincinnati Reds team.
Playing at Great American Ballpark for 81 games a year will certainly help any batter add to his home run totals. It’s a hitter-happy palace and just one factor as to why Schebler already has a league leading 15 home runs this season. This is, however, not the only reason why an appearance at this year’s Home Run Derby is possible. Schebler was a dormant slugger who needed the playing time to become the awesome hitter he is this season.
To see why Schebler’s power is true and not all luck, one needs to simply look at his minor league production. Most of his time on the farm took place while with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. During that time, he hit 27 home runs in 2013 then bested it the following season with 33 longballs. A few years later, Schebler is in the big leagues ready to challenge for a home run title.
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Schebler’s early splits also suggest he can hit a home run anywhere. Nine of his dingers this year have taken place on the road with the other six in Cincinnati. Left-handed pitchers will have the toughest time against him. So far, Schebler is averaging a home run in about every ten plate appearances versus southpaws. He also carries with him a .300 batting average against lefties. Righties have been unable to stop the home run ball, but have managed to keep his batting average in the low .200s.
There is a good chance Schebler has his limitations. He is slashing a very Jay Bruce-esque .241/.312/.547 through his first 189 plate appearances. His seven doubles suggest a lack of gap power and the 29 RBI tell us he can only drive in runs via the round-tripper.
The full examination of Schebler’s abilities is still unwritten as he has only slightly more than 500 big league plate appearances. Last year, in what was about half a season, he was a far different player. He managed to hit nine home runs in 282 plate appearances, but added a decent .265/.330/.432 batting line.
Next: Week nine power rankings
The Cincinnati Reds offense is clearly on the rise and Scott Schebler should remain a part of this phase. His ceiling is still unknown. However, there is no doubt he will continue to produce four-base hits with regularity.