The recently hired Mets hitting coach joined SiriusXM MLB Network Radio to discuss his new role in Queens.
New Mets hitting coach Kevin Long recently joined SiriusXM MLB Network Radio to to discuss the end of his time with the Yankees and the challenges associated with his new job with the Mets. According to Matt Ehalt of the Record, Long's hope is that the Mets can stay positive and not worry about the difficulties of hitting in a larger ballpark like Citi Field.
"We're going to have to change the culture a little bit. We're going to have to find ways to score runs in maybe a different manner. But, I think, the main thing is to believe that a line-drive swing and a good line-drive swing can work in any ballpark against any pitcher in any conditions. So we'll start there and see how that goes."
Long is saying the right things at this point, but we have to wait to see whether they actually translate to success with the Mets' lineup. The new dimensions at Citi Field will also play a part in the hitter success. While the final dimensions have not been revealed (they're scheduled to be announced on Saturday), we know the right field fence will be shorter, potentially helping left-handed hitters like Lucas Duda and Curtis Granderson. Long acknowledges that Citi Field is different from Yankee Stadium but does not believe that it should change his strategy.
"I understand it's going to be difficult. I understand that the ballpark does play a little bit longer than other ballparks we're going to go to, but we'll just stay positive and stay at it and try to hit line drives."