Cody Bellinger starts his swing.

Cody Bellinger starts his swing.

With the ball halfway to the plate, the Yankees left-hander realizes it is an off-speed pitch, not a fastball. He slows down his bat a tiny fraction, just enough to make solid contact and drive the ball into left field for a hit.

Analyzing the slow-motion replay, Yankees broadcaster Paul O'Neill is impressed. Bellinger's willingness--and ability--to make the in-swing adjustment reminds O'Neill of something Hall of Fame pitcher CC Sabathia once said:

The reason it's easier to pitch these days is because most hitters want to use their "A" swing on every pitch.

In this at-bat, Bellinger was wise enough to recognize that his “A” swing was not the right tool for the job.