Adjustments At The Plate Have Helped Rickie Weeks

Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

After struggling during the last two seasons, Brewers’ second baseman Rickie Weeks has started making adjustments at the plate. And so far, it’s paying off.

The 31-year-old has made slight changes to where he holds his hands and as a result, Weeks is hitting .571 with one home run in three games this spring. Manager Ron Roenicke has noticed a difference in the veteran. Quotes courtesy of Adam McCalvy of MLB.com.

"Geez, he’s killing the baseball, I hope he continues it. When he’s swinging the bat like this, he is really fun to watch."

Weeks is in the midst of a competition with Scooter Gennett for the starting second base job. In 69 games in 2013, Gennett hit .324, while Weeks batted .209 before a hamstring injury ended his season. Gennett’s performance gave him the leg up entering spring training.

Weeks will earn $11 million in 2014 and is set to be a free agent at the conclusion of the season. His adjustments couldn’t have come at a better time, Roenicke said.

"It’s not just age as you get older, [but] you learn to do different things. I think sometimes you just realize that I’m not successful in this and I’ve got to make some improvements. Sometimes it’s with stance, sometimes it’s your thinking that changes. He’s made some adjustments, and right now, it looks really good."

Weeks clearly isn’t going to let Gennett come in and take a job that’s been his since 2005. He won’t go down without a fight.