In the world of baseball, it's not every day you hear seasoned veterans raving about a rookie with genuine excitement. But that's exactly what's happening with the Cleveland Guardians and their standout newcomer, Chase DeLauter. The buzz is real, and it's not just polite chatter-it's the kind of enthusiasm that suggests DeLauter might just be the real deal.
On a recent episode of the "Terry’s Talkin’" podcast, Terry Pluto and David Campbell delved into why DeLauter has become the talk of the town. The rookie made waves by smashing two home runs in a spring training game against the Dodgers, catching the attention of veteran pitcher Slade Cecconi.
“That guy is so good, it’s insane,” Cecconi remarked, highlighting DeLauter’s ability to take pitches to straightaway center-a rarity even among elite players. “It’s really exciting to watch him at the plate this year. He’s going to help us a lot.”
Cecconi’s praise wasn’t just lip service. DeLauter backed it up by launching two more homers in the Guardians’ season opener, a 6-4 victory over Seattle.
If you’ve seen DeLauter in action, his batting stance might catch your eye. It’s unique, almost as if he’s swinging an ax. Pluto described it as having a back foot that moves forward while the front foot stays put, reminiscent of the "scissors swing" made famous by Harold Baines.
Despite its unorthodox nature, DeLauter’s swing is highly effective. He posted a .459 average in spring training, driving in 10 runs over 14 games, and he’s spraying the ball all over the field, not just relying on power to pull the ball.
Standing tall at 6-foot-3 and 230 pounds, DeLauter brings a physical presence to the plate that the Guardians haven’t seen since the days of the powerhouse teams in the 1990s. Pluto even suggested that DeLauter would have fit right in with legends like Jim Thome, Albert Belle, and Manny Ramirez.
Beyond his power, DeLauter offers a strategic advantage. With his potential to become a formidable force in the lineup, opposing pitchers might think twice before pitching around Jose Ramirez. If DeLauter can maintain his health, he could be a game-changer for the Guardians.
For more insights on DeLauter and what the future holds for the Guardians this season, the full episode of "Terry’s Talkin’" is a must-listen.