Offensive Adjustments Translating into Success at the Plate for Baysox Infielder

Following an unproductive at-bat against Birmingham during the early part of July, a determined Greg Miclat walked back to the Baysox’s dugout, quickly approached Bowie hitting coach Denny Hocking and sought out any swing-related input Hocking could offer.

“He just felt like something wasn’t right with his swing,” Hocking recalled.

Hocking agreed, even telling that Miclat that he had some suggestions for him, but that he didn’t want to voice them during the middle of a game.

Miclat understood, but told Hocking, “Ok, but when we get back home [from Birmingham] let’s go to the batting cage and I’ll do whatever you want me to do.”

So when the Baysox returned home, Miclat and Hocking got to work in the cage, making a few adjustments, including shortening Miclat’s swing, especially against left-handed pitching, while also tweaking his batting technique, specifically his arm angles and hand position on the bat.

And ever since then, aside from the last three games, Miclat has been on an absolute tear.

The 24-year old switch-hitting second baseman, a fifth-round pick of the Orioles in 2008, had been batting just .245 early in July, but had raised his batting average to as high as .282 prior to struggling some during the last week. He is hitting .360 in July with 23 runs scored in 24 games played.

“It’s been a great month for Greg,” Bowie manager Gary Kendall acknowledged. “He’s made some adjustments and has just played solid baseball for us.”

Miclat, who leads Bowie in stolen bases (35), is second on the team with a .351 on-base percentage, trailing only outfielder L.J. Hoes (.364).

“Offensively, he just does a tremendous job of doing the little things,” Hocking said. “He can hit and run, he’s a tremendous bunter from both sides of the plate, he’s a guy that handles the bat, he’s a guy that’s willing to take a walk, and, once he gets on, whether it’s a walk or a single, chances are he’s going to make that into a double because of his base-stealing prowess.”

Kendall also lauds Miclat for his ability as a second baseman, saying, “I know there are still questions about whether he’ll hit enough to be an everyday player at the major league level, but he can play everyday defense in the major leagues.”

Yet, while the stats and individual recognition are nice, Miclat’s main focus is just doing whatever he can to help the Baysox make a push for the Eastern League championship.

Bowie (56-46) is currently tied with Richmond for second place in the Eastern League’s Western Division, trailing first place Harrisburg by just 1.5 games.

The top two teams in each of the Eastern League’s two divisions qualify for the playoffs.

“Each and every day, I just try to come out and work on all phases of my game,” Miclat said. “But, mostly, I just want to do whatever I have to do to help this team win a championship. Obviously I want to get on base and steal more bases, but, bottom line, I want to win.”