Every player has had his ups and downs, but none more so than Kansas City Royals first baseman, Eric Hosmer. The fans of Kansas City quickly took a liking to Eric Hosmer, and as he rose to stardom he never looked back. Finishing third in the AL Rookie of the Year campaign pumped Royals fans up for what could potentially become of their phenom in the coming years. The second time around, Hosmer would have to eat a piece or two of “humble pie” to bring him back down to earth. Determined to return to 2011 form, he got back to work. With the help of Royals great, George Brett, Hosmer turned things around. With Brett gone, Eric Hosmer’s stats would plummet again, but near as dramatic as 2012.
Things have been a bit of a roller coaster ride for Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer during his short three year career. After being called up in the early part of 2011 to replace struggling hitter Kila Ka’aihue, Eric Hosmer thrived from the start. During his first year as a major league player, Hosmer hit .293 with 19 HRs and 78 RBIs, and also had a WAR (wins above replacement) of 1.5. That same season, Hosmer finished third in the AL Rookie of the Year voting. Hosmer would see a regression in 2012. From 2011-2012, Hosmer saw his batting average drop 61 points to a dismal .232. His homerun total saw a slight decrease as well, as he only belted 14 big flies in 2012. His RBI dropped from 78 to 60, and we saw a huge drop-off in WAR at -0.4. However, things seemed to turn back around for Hosmer in 2013. With a batting average of .302, 17 bombs, 79 RBI, and a 3.6 WAR, it seemed that Eric Hosmer had a bright future ahead of him. Things would have a very ‘2012’ feel to it in this season that is upon us right now. In 64 games played, Hosmer is batting just .259 with 3 HRs and just 29 RBI.
What can be said about this roller coaster ride that Young Hos has been on? Could it simply be mental? Or is it simply that his mechanics have gone haywire through the twists and turns through his young career? In 2011 and 2013, there is a noticeably larger hip-turn, where his feet would come off the ground ever so slightly after he made contact. In 2012 you will notice that his hips are stationary for the most part, and he is using more of his upper-body. You’ll also notice that in 2011, Hosmer would stand crooked in the batter’s box, while in 2012, he had a more traditional approach to the plate. The inconsistency of Hosmer’s mechanics at the plate could be the reason for his up-and-down seasons
Simply put, when Eric Hosmer is good, he’s REALLY good. When he’s bad, he’s REALLY bad. Some of the fans like Eric Hosmer for his passion, and his gold-glove defensive plays. Once Eric Hosmer stays consistent, I think he will be a great player who will be feared for many years to come.
For the latest sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @LastWordSarah. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
“You like baseball? Get involved! Check out LWOS Partners http://basesloaded.eu for fantastic podcasts, news and a growing message board community of baseball fans like you!”
photo credit: Keith Allison via photopin cc
