(670 The Score) On Saturday afternoon at Yankee Stadium, the Yankees belted three home runs on the first three pitches of the bottom of the first inning in a 20-9 win over the Brewers. The feat drew attention in part because of a new bat being utilized.
Some players across Major League Baseball have begun using what are known as torpedo bats, which are specially designed to tailor the barrel to each player’s specific swing. But the use of these bats isn’t anything unique to the Yankees.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell has enjoyed both the perception – and misperception – surrounding the new bats, which several of his own players have utilized as well.
“It’s been around, and guys have been using it,” Counsell told the Spiegel & Holmes Show on Tuesday. “We’ve had guys using it. I think it’s a story because it’s a little different. And frankly, most of the advantages that have come in the game the last 10 years have come for pitchers. Maybe the hitters have found something that helps just a little bit – and it’s a just a little bit thing. It’s kind of a big deal.
“It’s funny how the story kind of unfolds, that it happened in New York. It’s just the nature of maybe media and things like that. But we’ve been using them all spring, the Yankees have been using them all spring, and nobody’s noticed. But they had a big first weekend, and putting up a bunch of runs helps as well.”
When reminded of the Yankees’ three home runs Saturday, Counsell shot back at how it happened.
“Aaron Judge helps too – who’s not using the bats,” Counsell said.
The Cubs had a big offensive night in their 18-3 win against the Athletics on Monday in Sacramento. The teams will meet again Tuesday, with first pitch set for 9:05 p.m. CT. The game can be heard on 670 The Score, with pregame coverage starting at 8:30 p.m.