Episode 682: How Bryce Harper Broke Out

Summary[]

Ben and Sam banter about earthquakes, Tim Lincecum, and baseball nightmares, then talk to Dan Rozenson about Bryce Harper.

Ben is in Sonoma and felt a small earthquake shortly after arriving. Sam describes how he avoided developing a fear of earthquakes after the big one in 1989.
The Washington Nationals have been squirting chocolate syrup on players as part of a walk-off celebration.
Episode 675 follow-up: Kevin Gregg was signed by the Mariners.
Tim Lincecum has a 2.08 ERA in 8 starts this season. Ben and Sam wonder how much of his success can be attributed to working with his father, thought Sam says it is not clear that Lincecum is actually pitching better.
Matt Joyce was scratched from a start because he showed up to the field late for a day game, thinking it was a night game.
Ben and Sam discuss their baseball nightmares/dreams including having no glove, generally being a bad player, and getting hit in the face. Sam has a recurring dream where he drafts Mike Trout in the 9th round of a fantasy draft.

This season Bryce Harper has bit offspeed pitches much better, especially against lefties.
Harper is slugging over .800 this season against offspeed pitches. In 2013-14 he slugged .332 against those pitches
Harper is now seeing more fastballs this season after getting thrown more offspeed pitches in past years.
Harper added a hitch at the beginning of his swing to keep his hands moving. This motion can be helpful for players with high bat speed.
Dan is buying in to Bryce Harper's success this season.