Dansby Swanson’s speed, particularly his initial burst off the starting line, is not considered to be exceptional. In fact, his initial burst speed is estimated to be below 50 on a scale of 1 to 100. However, what sets Swanson apart is his ability to quickly transition from that initial burst to top speed. This is primarily due to his exceptional instincts and body control, which allow him to have his body in motion even before he starts moving.
Some scouts have even graded Swanson’s speed as high as 65, which is quite impressive. This means that despite not having a lightning-fast initial burst, Swanson possesses the ability to quickly accelerate and reach top speed. It’s this combination of instincts, body control, and quick acceleration that makes him a standout in terms of speed.
To give you a better understanding, let me share a personal experience. I had the opportunity to watch Swanson play live, and his speed on the basepaths was truly remarkable. While he may not have been the fastest player on the field, his ability to read the game and anticipate plays allowed him to take advantage of even the smallest opportunities to advance bases.
Swanson’s speed is not just limited to running the bases. His agility and quickness also come into play when fielding ground balls or covering ground in the outfield. This makes him a valuable asset on defense, as he can cover a significant amount of ground and make difficult plays look effortless.
While speed is an important attribute in baseball, it’s worth noting that Swanson’s overall skill set goes beyond just his speed. He is a well-rounded player with a strong arm, solid hitting ability, and great defensive instincts. However, his ability to quickly transition from a standing start to top speed certainly adds another dimension to his game.
Dansby Swanson may not possess an exceptional initial burst speed, but his instincts and body control allow him to quickly accelerate and reach top speed. This combination of skills makes him a formidable force on the basepaths and a standout in terms of speed in the game of baseball.