Nick Markakis’ success has been a significant part of the Braves’ first-place start.
The veteran right fielder leads the National League with a .341 average and 11-game hitting streak entering Saturday. He’s already slugged six home runs, a total he didn’t accrue until Aug. 4 last season.
Markakis is hitting .455 (20-for-44) with four homers, eight walks and just one strikeout during his streak.
He spoke with reporters Saturday about his approach, the team’s surprising offense and the addition of longtime division rival Jose Bautista.
Q: How can you explain your success out of the 4-hole?
A: My biggest thing is just trying to be on time with the pitch, try not to miss the pitches you're looking for. I think being a little more aggressive earlier in the counts is helping a little bit. I think 90, 95 percent of hitting is timing. If you give yourself a chance to be on time, and them throwing the ball where you're looking, it enhances your chances greatly. That's my approach right now. Just trying to be on time with pitches and try not to miss them.
Q: Has attacking earlier in the count been partly responsible for your recent power surge?
A: I think me being on time and getting to a certain position in my swing, hitting the ball out in front is the cause of some homers. But like I said, timing is hitting. When that front foot lands in time. You've got to be on time with the fastball and adjust off of that. That's my philosophy right now and I'm sticking with it.
Q: It seems the whole lineup has been more aggressive, especially early on?
A: The most impressive thing with our hitters, especially the young guys, just from talking to them, is being able to make adjustments throughout the game, at-bat per at-bat. Guys are picking on that pretty good. To be successful, you constantly have to make adjustments. The way you're not successful is being stubborn and hard-headed, not making adjustments or not being able to make the adjustments. It's good to see. It's something you don't see in young guys but they're catching on pretty quick.
Q: How big of a lift is Bautista to the offense?
A: I played against him many, many years over in the American League East. He's done a lot of damage against my former team (Orioles), and me at the time. It's nice to have him on this side. You know what he's capable of doing. He's a baseball player. He gets it. He's a veteran who can help in the clubhouse too. It's nice to have him over here."
Q: (Manager) Brian Snitker said he saw you enter spring training with a different focus. Is that true?
A: The older you get, the more work you have to put in. I'm starting to see that. As a young kid they always tell you that but you don't always believe them because you'd never been here. But in order to get to where you want to be at certain ages, you have to put your work in. That's why I use my time in the offseason. I work my butt off in the offseason and spend time with my family. Those are the two things that have gotten me to where I am now. The older you get, the harder you have to work.
