Atlanta Braves should reconsider repurposing Rio Ruiz.

Resurgent Rio?

Disappointed with himself and wondering why it seemed everyone forgot about him as they fell in love with teammate Johan Camargo, Rio headed into the offseason determined to turn things around. He told David O’Brien about his approach.

"“I was able to reflect on the season, put it in the past and learn from what I did. . . (evaluate) the adjustments that I made and the ones I didn’t and make those adjustments in the offseason.”"

Since joining the Braves, Ruiz worked out each offseason at agent Scott Boras’ training complex. He told O’Brien that this year he also worked with hitting coach Doug Latta.

The Swing whisperer

Latta is a proponent of the uppercut swing – some call it the Nike swoosh swing –  rather than the traditional downwards swing that tries to created backspin to increase carry. He explained it to Eli Walsh of Golden Gate Express last spring.

"“With the right body movement and the right swing plane, the bat will stay in the path of the ball much longer. . . with the body supporting that swing through (the path) essentially it’s more efficient and it’s more powerful.”"

Following the 2013 season, Justin Turner worked with Latte to dismantle and rebuild his swing; it seems to have worked for him.  Turner went from being a journey utility man released by the Mets to becoming a key cog in the Dodgers success.

Spurred by the success of Turner and realizing it was now or never with the Braves. Ruiz committed himself to Latte’s approach. Ruiz told O’Brien he believes the adjustments he’s made this offseason “. . .have him in a good place with his swing.”