Spinach & Milk: The Secrets of Zach Walters

Zach Walters simply cannot stop leaving the yard

Cleveland Indians “new boy” Zach Walters continued his lumber-swinging frenzy Tuesday night, hitting a  go-ahead two-run moonshot to right-center field in the top of the tenth inning at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago. The blast put the Tribe up 8-6 and ultimately won the first of the three-game series against the scuffling White Sox.

Walter’s first home run as an Indian came in walk-off fashion against the Arizona Diamondbacks on August 13. He hasn’t stopped since. Tuesday night was his team-leading sixth long ball since coming over from the Washington Nationals in the Asdrubal Cabrera trade. And when I say long ball, I am not just referring to home runs; I am actually describing the distance the home runs go. These balls aren’t sneaking over the outfield fences.

How does he do it? Is it his approach? Lucky socks? Is he in the “best shape of his life,”  like so many athletes claim to be? Nope.

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“It’s for the kids,” Walters revealed after the game. “I eat my spinach and I drink milk. That’s the only reason why.”

I may be lactose intolerant and hate Popeye, but I sure do love watching Walters swing the bat.

His swing is in the same mold of Gary Sheffield and, more recently, rookie Javier Baez of the Chicago Cubs. Watch the bat speed Baez creates by whipping it forward before bringing it through the zone:

While not as violent, Walters swing looks similar:

Baez has been feast or famine so far this season, sporting an outrageous 44.4 strikeout rate. Walters has struck out his fair share as well, tallying at least one strikeout in all but three games with the Indians so far.

But as Hall of Famer Greg Maddux told us, “Chicks dig the long ball.”

So, for right now, Cleveland digs Zach Walters.