Los Angeles Angels’ Jeff Mathis looking to improve batting performance – MLB News
After suffering from a serious wrist injury, Los Angeles Angels’ catcher Jeff Mathis is looking to improve his batting performance as Spring Training is beginning.
Mathis understands the importance of improving his batting performance for the team as the regular season is just right around the corner. The Angels are also hoping that their catcher can improve his batting and become more productive on the offence.
Jeff is also fully aware that playing in the Major League is very competitive and if he does not improve his batting performance there is always a distinct possibility that he could lose his position to a player that is performing at a higher level.
"I've never come in here expecting to be the No. 1 catcher," said Mathis, who turns 28 next month. "There are always going to be guys trying to take your job."
Angels’ manager Mike Scioscia is also hoping that Mathis will be able to regain his batting form soon. Scioscia understands the importance that Mathis is to the team and how he is able to build confidence in the unit amongst his team-mates.
"In the playoffs he's hit terrific pitching and was really a force," Scioscia said. "He had a nice simple swing when he started the (2010) season, and he tried to pick that up when he came back and obviously lost some components to it from not only a timing
aspect but from a technical aspect."
Scioscia told that the team officials saw Mathis in the batter box at the start of 2010. He seemed to be more confident in workouts. On the offensive side, it was a depressed effort for him as the season went on. Mathis fell down to a .115 average in 51
at-bats at the last of 2010.
During the Spring Training workouts, Scioscia will be watching Mathis carefully to determine the level of improvement that he has made before the regular season begins. The Angels understand the importance of having all of their top players performing at
their peak levels at the beginning of the regular season. This allows for a decent start and some massive confidence to be built up in the team.
Mathis is a tremendous catcher, as he manages to read the pitchers well. His performance behind the plate is always top notch and the Angels are well aware of his capabilities. He has 13-years of experience in the Major Leagues and he is always working hard
to improve his performances. It will be interesting to see how quickly Mathis is able to improve his batting performance and increase his contribution to the team during Spring Training and the regular season.
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