April 7th, 2017 at 6:00 am 
by Ron Cervenka Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig is the best hitter on the planet right now. Then again, we’re talking about a baseball season that is all of four days old.
With his three long distance home runs in the last two games, the 26-year-old Cienfuegos, Cuba native leads the MLB in home runs and is tied for fourth with his five RBIs. He also leads the majors with his unworldly 1.250 slugging percentage and his 1.813 OPS is second only to Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler’s 1.825.
Although Puig is certainly strong enough to hit home runs to all fields, all three of his home runs thus far have been pulled down the left field line. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)
Now granted, there is no way on earth that the oft-controversial and always entertaining eccentric Dodgers outfielder can possibly maintain a pace like this, but it’s impossible to argue that Dodger fans are absolutely lovin’ it right now.
Although the Dodgers beat the lowly San Diego Padres by a score of 10-2 in Thursday afternoon’s series finally in front of a modest Dodger Stadium crowd of 36,501, the simple truth is that Puig pretty much beat the Friars single-handedly for the second day in a row. He obviously had help with outstanding pitching performances from left-hander Rich Hill and right-hander Brandon McCarthy, and from a very dominant Dodgers bullpen, but as impressive and entertaining as Puig’s three home runs have been, there is a much bigger story unfolding before our very eyes here – one that could play out much bigger in the long run than his monster home runs; he is drawing walks which, of course, equates to being more selective in the pitches he is swinging at.
While Puig’s home runs have been a welcome sight for Dodger fans, his four walks suggest that he is a much more disciplined hitter thus far this season, and that’s a very good thing.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)
There is no arguing that the sample size is ridiculously small, but in his 16 plate appearances thus far this season, Puig has struck out only once while drawing four walks (five if you include the time-saving four-finger intentional walk during Monday’s home opener). And while chicks may dig the long ball, Puig’s less-than-exciting free passes are a very good indication that someone has finally gotten to him.
No longer is the 6′-2″ Dodgers outfielder, who showed up for spring training in remarkable shape and much leaner than his listed 240 pounds, chasing low and away breaking balls in the dirt or high fastballs above his shoulders that produced some of the ugliest strikeouts we’ve ever seen. Instead, Puig is laying off these pitches, thereby forcing pitchers to either throw strikes to him or run the risk of walking him.
To be fair, the Padres, who many baseball experts predict will lose upwards of 100 games this season, have a very weak pitching staff and are perhaps a poor basis of comparison. But a ball is a ball and a strike is a strike, and if Puig can continue to lay off pitches out of the zone, he is going to have a very very good year.
Viva Puig!
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A very good analysis.
I’ve been speculating for some time about the 4 25+HR guys from last year. Just a mere 20% improvement and we have 4 30HR guys again. JT and Yas are starting the season healthier, Joc isn’t off to a great start but overall he’s improving, and Corey has a year of experience in the show.
Might we add Puig to the list? As you said: small sample size. But it’s never too early to speculate.
Their next 3 games are up here in the high country, then 3 in Wrigley.
I’ll take any balls the Cubbie fans want to throw back.
Puig could be a top 3 right fielder in the game. The moaning about trading him last year was foolish. His upside is way too high, and the FO couldn’t get adequate value back. The last two years would be long forgotten if Puig can keep focused on the proper process. Don’t ever forget he is 26, from another country, and had his life completely change when he signed with LA. From a HUMAN perspective, it isn’t hard to understand that his mental and emotional maturation required more time than his physicality. Hitting 8th is perfect. Less pressure to produce and walks get to the pitcher which helps turn the line up over. Couldn’t have imagined a better start to the season for The Wild Horse.
Another thing. I like the use of Hatcher and Wood as multi inning relievers. Stripling could be in this boat as well. If the starters are going to go only 6 or fewer, 3 multi innings guys is a boon to the pen.
IMHO the trade attempt, and failure of same, had a lot to do with the change in Puig. It’s gotta be a downer to know that not only does your team not want you, but nobody else does either.
It’s too early too be worried about starters innings. This isn’t last year. Kersh has always been a workhorse. Kenta did a lot of work aimed at improving his stamina. Hill, Mac, and Ryu weren’t even pitching for the Dodgers at this time last year. I know Ryu was able to go deep in the past.
Teams tend to limit starter’s innings early in the season to let them get stretched out. The Dodgers seem to be more likely than some others to do so. My point is don’t take the first time around as an indication of how it’s going to be down the road.
Somebody’s going to need to step aside for Julio too. It’ll be interesting if the current starters are all hot.
That’s the main thing I noticed about Puig lately, his selectiveness, patience and discipline at the plate. It’s even more fun to watch than his power. Let’s hope, if he keeps it up, it will be the answer to his and our prayers.
Great analysis. A selective Puig is an extremely dangerous Puig to opposing pitchers!
MLB reported that Puig’s two homers yesterday were some of his hardest hit balls of the “statcast” era… the second one traveling at 110.8 MPH! Now that’s a Howitzer shot!