Mike Kerwick of Baseball America wrote an article on B-Mets outfielder Cory Vaughn, who is currently hitting .288/.370/.447 with six home runs and 31 RBIs in 170 Double-A at-bats. We’ve been talking lately about how Vaughn has adjusted to life in Binghamton very well, as the 2010 fourth-round pick is back on track toward getting to the major leagues. What we haven’t touched upon was his slow start in April.
Kerwick highlighted Vaughn’s 2-for-19 start to 2013. While the outfielder was trying not to panic about his rough start, it was hard not to. What eventually turned his season around was some advice from B-Mets hitting coach Luis Natera. He helped Vaughn alter his stride at the plate, which would enable him to recognize pitches easier once they were released.
Instead of having an awful April, Vaughn went on a tear finished the month with a .291/.391/.506 line. He continued performing well in May, earning the Eastern League Player of the Week honors for his play from May 13th to May 20th.
The 24-year-old also mentioned that following his father, Greg Vaughn, around as a kid also helped him prepare when the day comes for his promotion to the big leagues. Minor League field coordinator, Dick Scott, also agrees, “It eases the anxiety and tension when it comes to playing in the big leagues or playing just professionally.”
Vaughn hasn’t been able to continue this solid season because he is currently on the seven-day disabled list with a right elbow strain.
This was an interesting article to read, and it showed me a few things about this outfield prospect. While he started slow and felt as if he was panicking, he didn’t try to over-analyze what he was doing wrong at the plate. He was open to the small adjustment suggested by Natera, showcasing he’s not narrow-minded when it comes to receiving advice.
We all know baseball is a mental game. It doesn’t matter if a player has the best ability on the planet; if he doesn’t have the mental capability to deal with the failure that comes with the game, he’ll never make it to the big leagues. We’re seeing Vaughn’s ability to deal with baseball mentally firsthand, and I think it’s a good sign for his baseball future.
(photo courtesy of Gordon Donovan)
Cory has a relaxed stance in the batter’s box. He starts with the bat actually resting on his shoulder and then coils into the lock position when he sees the pitcher separating his hands to deliver the baseball. I think Cory is just scratching the surface of his potential so far with the B-Mets. There is a big upside here.
Luis natera has done an amazing job with him and puello. I’m not sure why he dont get any recognition.