Eric Hosmer puts the ball on the ground over half the time he makes contact, but that hasn't prevented him from posting consecutive seasons of 20-plus homers. Which other players are mashing despite hitting too many grounders?
The philosophy of hitting is changing right before our eyes.
Growing up, we were taught that hitting line drives up the middle was the best-case scenario from any particular plate appearance. But these days, power hitters like J.D. Martinez are challenging that conventional wisdom in favor of putting more balls in the air.
A number of players have benefited from the "fly-ball revolution," but a perfect case study is Seattle Mariners first baseman, Yonder Alonso.