Gallo's early power surge brings hope for big 2021 season

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Joey Gallo's spent several spring trainings in Arizona so the Texas Rangers slugger knows the difference between a real homer and the cheap high fly balls that can drift out of the park in the forgiving desert air.

The 27-year-old says his power surge through the first two weeks of exhibition games is for real.

“It’s a different environment, it’s a different field,” Gallo said. “But for me, look, I know I have power. I know the balls that I’ve hit so far this spring would probably go out of Globe Life Field anyway.”

Gallo has hit an MLB-high five homers through his first seven games, giving the Rangers hope that he can bounce back from a tough 2020 season. The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder has always had an all-or-nothing approach that often ends in a homer, walk or a strikeout.

But in last year's pandemic-shortened season, it was a lot more “nothing” than “all."

He finished with a .181 batting average and 10 homers which is one of many reasons the Rangers finished last in the AL West with a 22-38 record.

Gallo's hoping to return to his 2019 All-Star form when he had a career-high .253 batting average and .389 on-base percentage.

He's pleased with his start but also understands it only matters if it carries over into April.

“I wish these counted,” Gallo said. “That would be awesome, but they don’t.”

Here are a few other players who were impressive during the first two weeks of exhibition action.

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1B Matt Olson, Athletics: The Athletics slugger is much like Gallo in trying to bounce back from an uneven 2020 when he hit just .195, though he did have a team-high 14 homers. He's had a good start with seven hits in his first 14 at-bats, including three homers and three doubles.

LHP Madison Bumgarner, Diamondbacks: The...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Gallo-s-early-power-surge-brings-hope-for-big-16018860.php