Revival in Texas

Hunter Pence looked like he'd reached the end of the road as a 2018 Giant. After 12 big league seasons, his numbers had seriously declined -- his days of routinely producing 20 homers and 75 RBIs with one of baseball's most awkward-looking swings seemed to be in the rear view mirror.

Yet so far this season, he's recaptured that vintage form. One of many major leaguers who've upped their game after working with a private hitting instructor, he's seeing the results since signing with Texas. Yesterday's homer in the Rangers 16-1 demolition of the Royals was his 8th of the season; it was a screaming liner that landed in the fountain area beyond center field at Kauffman Stadium. Tack on 27 RBI and a .350 on base percentage, and he's again become a middle of the lineup force.

(My image of Pence is from the August 21st, 2018 Giants/Mets game at Citi Field.)

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