Spencer Horwitz Discusses Hitting

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Spencer Horwitz hopes to prove that what he did in the minors can translate to success at a major-league level, and so far, things look positive for him. Eric Longenhagen and Tess Taruskin described Blue Jays utilityman Luke Maile’s approach as one characterized by patient contact-driven hitting; with equal proportions of walks to strikeouts over his first 86 plate appearances since being called up from Triple-A early June, Maile has established himself as an offensive powerhouse despite coming off of injury-plagued Triple-A performance. By comparison, Horwitz posted impressive numbers at Triple A level while still in college: an overall batting line of.307/.413/.471 over five professional seasons on the farm; with nearly equal amounts of strikeouts and free passes over time. While his success against major league pitching remains to be determined – last season’s 15 game cup-of-coffee produced disappointing results — his skillset and upside remain compelling.
Horwitz discussed in our Talks Hitting series how his learning and progression as a hitter over time have varied–from watching Manny Machado flick his barrel, to working off high velocity machines himself.
As I like to start this series off on an informal note, let me begin with one of my go-to icebreaker questions in this series: When it comes to hitting, do you view it more as art or science?
Spencer Horwitz: “Thanks! What I would describe is more a mixture between luck and science when it comes to hitting. While my natural hitter-ness certainly contributed, there has also been much I have learned through studies such as hitting techniques.
Laurila: When did your learning journey begin?
Horwitz: My learning started when I was still in high school. Observing great hitters and trying to emulate them inspired my curiosity until eventually being able to put real numbers to what my thoughts had conjured up in my mind.
Laurila: When looking at younger hitters, what exactly are you observing and can that knowledge be applied directly into your game?
Horwitz: “Initially, my journey began by simply trying to mirror my favorite players’ swings as they seemed to be doing something right; as soon as pro ball came around and more data became available to me, the goal became understanding what exactly it was that I desired from playing golf.”
“I was watching Manny Machado of Baltimore make his Orioles debut and enjoyed watching Michael Brantley hit for them as well as Matt Carpenter — two lefty players with similar stature who struck me as inspiring, especially since I too am from Baltimore – take off at Baltimore Orioles. Also taking small lessons from watching these players. “
Laurila: What were some of the pieces? Horwitz: “One thing I really noticed with Manny when I was in high school was how he flicked the barrel; watching this action inspired me to try mimic it myself. Later in High-A, Michael Brantley and Matt Carpenter really stood out; watching their setups inspired me too – especially how their knob reached to their catchers – which inspired me. Laurila: So how have these small parts helped you become such an impactful batter? (Horwitz) “
Horwitz explains what were some key pieces. Horwitz explains, while Michael Brantley and Matt Carpenter also inspired him: flicked away! (Both made similar moves like) [this], while Michael Brantley (he of Manny’s] flick of course] made an impression upon me (while in high school); watching his release made the same. In High-A, watching their setups really caught my eyes (like, for some simple moves as opposed to big moves — like their setups made). After watching Michael Brantley (Andrey), which made an impression upon him: ‘This’ll get done.” (something like) this in High A then). As soon as possible). Laurila questioned Horwitz on what parts you noticed about Manny [CARPTI noticed him] flick his release the barrel, when doing it). And in High A:When watching Michael Brantley [in HighA], watching Michael Brantley [Carpenters) setups) which inspired] him) to emulate). Laurila Laurilala she put my knob to reach back) before him] I wanted this.” Horwitz] And, and Matt Carpenters did that was needed]. I needed.’m like Michael [Carpenters would’d watch Michael Brantley/Carpenter would do). Laurila said)”.
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Laurila: Can you describe what “knob to the catcher” refers to? Horwitz: When standing in there… I used to position myself so my knob faced toward the third base dugout from left-handed batter’s box; now, however, my goal is more focused around getting it aimed toward my catcher as though there were an flashlight at its bottom.”
Laurila: When discussing flicking the bat, could you provide further explanation?
Horwitz: When watching Manny play, his swing was always effortless yet powerful. I tried mimicking that style during college and pro ball training – almost flicking the ball – just flicking my bat to hit balls that came my way like flicking an oncoming football pass in college or pro baseball training – I think part of his art of hitting is flicking balls; whatever that means! To me it stuck.”
Laurila: Hitters generally strive for an efficient bat path through their zone. I envision flicking as being quick with little follow through… Horwitz: “Flicking means relaxing your body and letting the bat do its work.”
Laurila: By eliminating unnecessary effort from your swing, it sounds as if you are streamlining its development.
Horwitz: What I’m working towards now is simplifying my setup and getting in a position that allows me to swing anytime I choose – what many call a launch position; being there allows you to achieve maximum swing potential as soon as possible and I want that as quickly as possible.”
Laurila: Your goal should always be getting off of an A-swing… Horwitz: We all wish for an A-swing but, realistically, most often don’t find one due to competition and game planning.
Laurila: Judging by your numbers and reputation, I assume you take great pains not to swing at pitches that fall outside one of your happy zones. Would this be accurate?
Horwitz: “That goes back to understanding what each pitcher’s strengths and weaknesses are as well as understanding my own. And training swing decisions. Today I plan on going out there on a machine set at 95 [mph], while others just may do arm practice BP (I would guess 80%-90% of league players do arm BP); I like challenging myself by increasing velocity while trying different pitches like sinker four-seam cutter slider and curveball.” We can do all sorts of stuff.
Laurila: When it comes to numbers, which ones do you place most emphasis on? Horwitz: “A combination of things: Line Drive Percentage is key, Chase Rate too and hard-Hit Rate plays a part. All three together comprise what I consider essential skills in hitting well – striking hard on lines while swinging at what’s pitched is essential if one hopes for great hitter.”
Laurila: Are you roughly similar as when you started pro baseball or do any significant differences exist between now and when you first got there?
Horwitz describes herself as an evolved hitter: I possess some traits I work on while others I rely on as foundational pieces for success; there’s plenty to work on and work through as part of becoming better each season.” She hopes that as her skills continue to advance she continues gaining experience as an advanced batter and continues improving each time out at bat.
Laurila: Being selected late, so much has been expected of you… Horwitz responded in kind by noting his 24th round selection from Radford University: “Yes, I believe so far so good and hope to keep things rolling smoothly!”