Wyllys: Mind games: When a change of scenery gives an MLB career new life
From Jared Wyllys at The Sporting News on September 22, 2017:
By the third week of June, Stephen Vogt was beginning to wonder whether his time in the majors was done. He had just been designated for assignment by the Athletics after four and a half years with the organization, thanks to his .644 OPS and ever-diminishing playing time.
But by early September, Vogt was playing with the Brewers like a man rejuvenated, and he credits a change of scenery.
“It brings new life to you, and it brings a fresh start,” Vogt told Sporting News before a recent game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field. “Rejuvenation. Rejuvenation was the main word that kept coming to mind because I felt like I was getting a new opportunity to play meaningful baseball for the first time in three years, and I was excited for the opportunity.”
Vogt’s story is a familiar one. When players change uniforms, whether in season or during the offseason, it’s not unusual for them to perform notably better with their new teams. There are several factors that contribute to this, but players who have made such moves are consistent in their belief that the switch made a difference.
Read the full article here: http://www.sportingnews.com/mlb/news/mlb-trades-free-agents-stats-after-trade-stephen-vogt-neil-walker-sergio-romo/72itunr46yit18qe5dbi3z6si
Originally published: September 22, 2017. Last Updated: September 22, 2017.