This is the thread where we talk about how awesome Kris Bryant is

[Cubswin11]

He had a thumb injury last year too that could’ve affected the exit velo. He’s going to be an absolute monster.

[Sammy Sofa]

This is unquestionably a good thing. Even in the article, it points out that his wRC+ is higher than it's ever been. If this version of Kris Bryant continues this exact performance and hits 18 homers this year, he'll still be a better hitter than he's ever been.

 

But he won't. He'll hit around 30 at least.

 

We're still talking about a small sample size. He's going to hit more homers. He's been a little unlucky in that regard so far. He's hit three doubles that went 365, 366, and 389 feet. He hit a triple that went 400 feet. Some of those balls will start leaving the park.

 

And I agree that he powered down some last year. His FB% went down. His avg. exit velocity went down big time from 89.3 mph to 87.1 mph. But it's back up this year to 88.7 mph. He's hitting the ball hard again. But he's not getting enough launch angle, for sure, to put out huge amounts of power.

 

It'd be silly to think his avg. launch angle is definitely going to stay this low, though. Again, it's a small sample size. And, even still, guess who he is tied with in avg. launch angle right now? Joey Votto. He's still in the upper half of the league. Back in 2016, he had the 3rd highest avg. launch angle in the league. Being that high really isn't very conducive to maintaining a high BABIP. You'll see guys like Brian McCann and Todd Frazier up there, who are selling out for power and getting under a lot of stuff. A lot of lazy fly balls.

 

In 2016, Bryant had 25 infield fly balls. This year, he has 1. He's hitting a ton of line drives. His batted-ball profile aligns with that of a BABIP god. He also hits more infield singles than just about anyone. And he still has the power to drive the ball out of the park. Plus, more balls in play = more chances for them to leave the park.

 

The power will come around. And KB will be better than he's ever been.

 

Wow, this sounds really promising!

 

*Checks notes*

 

Kris Bryant's plane was shot down over the Sea of Japan. It spun in...there were no survivors.

[Aaron_Kennelly]

I'll wait until after the Cardinals series to post an article and officially kill him.

[Sammy Sofa]

WRITE ABOUT THE BAD THINGS, FFS.

[CyHawk_Cub]

WRITE ABOUT THE BAD THINGS, FFS.

 

I have begged for this.

 

However, Duke horsefeathering hates us & refuses to relent.

[Banedon]

However, Duke horsefeathering hates us.

 

[Transmogrified Tiger]

[Hairyducked Idiot]

Kris Bryant turning into 3b Mark Grace sucks even if it means the Cubs get an extra half-win a year or something over the 35 HR version.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

I’d say Duke should write an article about the Cardinals for once but I’m sure their players don’t need his help to go drinking and driving after tonight’s game.

[JudasIscariotTheBird]

Kris Bryant turning into 3b Mark Grace sucks even if it means the Cubs get an extra half-win a year or something over the 35 HR version.

But then Kris could reinvented a cleaner version of the term "slumpbuster."

[Hairyducked Idiot]

Kris Bryant turning into 3b Mark Grace sucks even if it means the Cubs get an extra half-win a year or something over the 35 HR version.

But then Kris could reinvented a cleaner version of the term "slumpbuster."

 

Bryant's version is where you miss a game for pimp skitters.

[Sammy Sofa]

"Boy, Kris must have had himself a real pantscleaner last night!"

[Clem Fandango]

Kris Bryant turning into 3b Mark Grace sucks even if it means the Cubs get an extra half-win a year or something over the 35 HR version.

But then Kris could reinvented a cleaner version of the term "slumpbuster."

 

"Could really go for one of those Trouble Solvers right about now, you guys"

[Sammy Sofa]

Rizzo and Bryant have the same amount of dongs, and Rizzo horsefeathering blows.

[PackLandVA]

Rizzo and Bryant have the same amount of dongs, and Rizzo horsefeathering blows.

 

Just wait until it warms up at Wrigley and the wind starts blowing out.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Rizzo and Bryant have the same amount of dongs, and Rizzo horsefeathering blows.

 

Just wait until it warms up at Wrigley and the wind starts blowing out.

that already happened

[PackLandVA]

Rizzo and Bryant have the same amount of dongs, and Rizzo horsefeathering blows.

 

Just wait until it warms up at Wrigley and the wind starts blowing out.

that already happened

 

Right.

[davell]

 

Lol

[Regular Show]

 

Lol

 

Kris, either decide to curse to make a point/statement or say it normally.

[David]

The stupid thing about this superstardom Twitter debate is that it's conflating two entirely different things. Superstardom as a player, which Bryant clearly and unequivocally is, and superstardom as a celebrity/famous person (which I couldn't give two shits about).

 

It's entirely arguable that no baseball player is capable of that level of celebrity at this point in time. Baseball is still popular, but in a really regional way. Mike Trout isn't even a household name. He's well known among baseball fans, but outside that realm, ehhh. And I don't really care. That's a commentary on the state of baseball in terms of mainstream popularity and the way the country consumes it at this point. It's got just about nothing to do with Bryant or Trout or Harper.

[Sammy Sofa]

Trout and Bryant are just boring dudes. Harper is a majestic, entertaining stallion.

[PackLandVA]

Trout and Bryant are just boring dudes. Harper is a majestic, entertaining stallion.

 

With an incredible mane! Like a lion. But there's no denying Bryant's dreamy eyes!

[Sammy Sofa]

He's like a horse AND a lion.

[PackLandVA]

Like a "Liorse"!

 

It's pretty much my favorite animal. It's like a lion and a horse mixed. Bred for its skills and magic.

[17 Seconds]

16% k-rate, wtf