Dodgers' Taylor wants to stop being asked why he's suddenly so good
Chris Taylor has taken the league by storm this season, setting career highs in several categories, while emerging as one of the best all-around performers in 2017.
With the Los Angeles Dodgers one win away from the World Series, Taylor is tired of people inquiring about his play.
"I don't know. I think I get it in every interview: 'What's the difference in the success this year?' And every time I've talked about my swing change. So stop asking that question, please," Taylor told reporters ahead of Game 5 of the NLCS on Thursday.
| Year | GP | BA | OBP | SLG | WAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-2016 | 120 | .234 | .289 | .309 | 1 |
| 2017 | 140 | .268 | .332 | .422 | 4.7 |
Taylor credits his new-found success to a change he made to his swing at the start of the year, and the results speak for themselves.
Taylor, acquired from the Seattle Mariners in 2016, started the season in Triple-A after failing to crack the Opening Day roster. His time in the minors was short-lived, however, as he was called up on April 19th following an injury to second baseman Logan Forsythe.
The Dodgers have reaped the benefits ever since, as Taylor hit .322/.430/.511 in May, paving the way to a career year in which he finished with 4.7 WAR - 13th among qualified National League players.
His elite performance has translated to the postseason, as well. Entering Game 5, Taylor has hit .250/.382/.571 with two home runs, a double and a triple throughout the NLDS and NLCS.