PHOENIX, Ariz. – Zack Cozart noticed something sitting in the dugout this past Saturday as he watched his Cincinnati Reds teammates take on the Cleveland Indians at Goodyear Ballpark. Several Indians hitters had the same pre-pitch set-up.
Francisco Lindor, his shortstop counterpart, started with his bat on his shoulder. So did former Reds infielder Edwin Encarnacion. For Cozart – who normally started with the handle of his bat behind his ear – something clicked.
“Anytime I’ve struggled, that’s what’s always in my mind – ‘Man, I don’t feel right with my hands,’” Cozart said. “So why not eliminate that?