Editor's Note: Offense might be at its lowest point in nearly 35 years, but a small subset of hitters continues to thrive. They've achieved solid results and, in some cases, have even improved their numbers. In an era of pitching dominance, what could other hitters learn from their offensive excellence? We focus on four exemplary hitters Jose Abreu, Jose Altuve, Victor Martinez and Andrew McCutchen -- as they discuss their successful approaches at the plate.
In this Q&A, Doug Padilla talks with Abreu, the Chicago White Sox first baseman and reigning American League Rookie of the Year.
What's your daily routine as a hitter?
Before games, I work in the batting cage with the tee and do soft toss. That's the part of my work that I have to do to get the day started. That's basically the most important pregame routine.
What do you think the key is to your swing being effective?
It's all about the mental side of the game. If you have the mentality to do your job well, that's all you need for success.
How do you mentally prepare to hit?
There are too many things to list one by one. The main thing is that I do watch videos, and when I'm in the batter's box, waiting for the pitch, I just try to keep my hands inside the ball. Keep inside the ball every time.
What's the biggest adjustment you've had to make as a big league hitter?
To take a professional approach every day, because when you are more professional every day, you are in a better position to have an impact on the game.
When you're in a slump, what is the typical cause of your slumps?
I don't know exactly, but when I'm in a slump the only thing that works for me is to take two steps back to figure out what has happened and then try to move forward. Obviously, it's back to the mental approach, because it's often a struggle with the mind part over the physical part. Sometimes, you think it's something mechanical or with your hands, but it ends up being just mental. You just need to keep working in order to keep producing.
How much video do you study, both of yourself and the opposing pitcher?
A lot. I use too many hours every day trying to figure out how I can be better. I use video of both me and the opposing pitcher because that is the only way I can figure out how to fill any holes I might have mechanically with my swing.
How much do you use scouting reports?
Not too much. I just watch the videos because they show me what I am doing and what the opposing pitchers are doing against me. In the videos you can watch so many things that help you approach the opponent and be better.
"When I met him last year, Albert Pujols told me, 'Hey, you have to be patient and you have to work hard. With those two keys, you can be a success.' That was the best advice I've gotten." Jose Abreu
What's the best hitting advice you ever got, who gave it to you and when?
The person who has helped me the most since I have been here is Albert Pujols. When I met him last year, he told me, "Hey, you have to be patient and you have to work hard. With those two keys, you can be a success." That was the best advice I've gotten. I took it and tried to concentrate on it every day, tried to apply it on a daily basis. Be patient and work hard. The mental part is the most important for everything.
Which individual stat means the most to you and why?
All of them, but the most important is wins, because if you don't win games, it doesn't matter how good you are at hitting or if you are hitting home runs. It's all about wins.
Who's your favorite hitter to watch?
(Laughs.) There are a lot. I can't tell you just one. Pujols, Miggy (Miguel Cabrera), Derek Jeter, David Ortiz, Melky Cabrera -- who is with me on the White Sox right now -- and Mike Trout, of course.
