***Official Kansas City Royals @ Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Game Thread (4/10)***

[milkman]

Originally Posted by duncan_idaho

I know a lot of people thought it was a bad signing, but I've been cautiously optimistic from the beginning that he could bounce back to his 2012 and 2013 levels of performance, which would basically be a .275 hitter who doesn't draw many walks but who does slug .450+.

That would be an upgrade on Butler 2014 version.

So far, I think the early returns are good, and you can make a good case that his disaster of a 2014 was based on sitting out so long, missing spring training, and never getting his timing back (or his body in shape).

You may not remember that I have not been a Billy Butler fan.

I just believe a guy that size, and who lacks his speed, should be more aggressive with his swings.

I'd sacrifice some points on avg for a little more pop.

Morales seems to have that approach, and I like to see it.

[Discuss Thrower]

Originally Posted by milkman

You may not remember that I have not been a Billy Butler fan.

I just believe a guy that size, and who lacks his speed, should be more aggressive with his swings.

I'd sacrifice some points on avg for a little more pop.

Morales seems to have that approach, and I like to see it.

You're capable of liking something, you old codger?

[duncan_idaho]

Originally Posted by milkman

You may not remember that I have not been a Billy Butler fan.

I just believe a guy that size, and who lacks his speed, should be more aggressive with his swings.

I'd sacrifice some points on avg for a little more pop.

Morales seems to have that approach, and I like to see it.

He's similar in that he is also a very naturally talented hitter who isn't good at anything else on the baseball field (for a major leaguer). Great hand-eye, good bat-to-ball skills.

Morales isn't a huge power guy, but he does have more loft in his swing.

I think Butler did start trying to hit for more power starting in 2012, but he lost some of his skill/bat speed after that season and his numbers dropped off.