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Cody Ross Points to Return to Fenway, Rapport With ‘Best Hitting Coach’ Dave Magadan as Keys to Resurgence

BOSTON — A trip to Fenway was the right remedy for Cody Ross.

For the second straight day, the 31-year-old drilled a home run over the Green Monster and keyed the Red Sox' 6-4 victory over the Rays.

Before the trip to Boston, the outfielder had cooled off from his remarkable spring — where he unloaded six long balls — and had posted a .211 average by only mustering four hits in 21 at-bats.

Since arriving for the homestand, Ross has showcased a swing tailor-made for Fenway, bashing two homers to go along with seven RBIs.

He also credits his offensive explosion to his rapport with hitting coach Dave Magadan.

"In short a period of time I've been with him, he's been unbelievable — probably the best hitting coach I've ever had," Ross said. "He's very prepared, just outstanding, just great to be able to lean on when you need advice or someone needs to pat you on the back, saying, 'Keep going. Things are going to come.' It's definitely nice to have."

The feeling is certainly mutual. Shortly after Saturday's game, Magadan praised Ross' willingness to listen and insisted that his swings against Detroit and Toronto weren't as paltry as the overall numbers indicated.

Magadan pointed to Ross' first game in Toronto as an example. Although Ross finished 1-for-3, he still belted liners, including one that Blue Jays third basemen Brett Lawrie robbed on a diving catch.

Despite the early adversity, Ross and Magadan have developed a strong level of communication in their first year together. Ross' bubbly personality has certainly accelerated that chemistry.

"He's very easy to work with," Magadan said. "He doesn't have a lot of moving parts in his swing. It's just a matter of keeping it simple with him, keeping it in the strike zone, and when he's doing that, he can be dangerous, like he's shown the last couple days."

Coming home has helped, too, Magadan said.

"They can't catch those balls that go over the wall," he said.

Buoyed by Fenway Park's amenities, Ross is swiftly on pace to surpass his regular-season numbers from 2011. A year after spearheading San Francisco's rally to the World Series, he regressed with 14 homers, 52 RBIs and a .240 average.

From Adrian Gonzalez' vantage point, AT&T Park — the Giants' home stadium — is arguably one of the toughest parks for hitters in all of baseball, let alone the National League. That's why he says Ross is primed for success in Fenway.

"Ross has a swing that’s meant for any park," Gonzalez said. "He's a great hitter."

The distance on his two homers is evidence for that. On both swings, Ross cleared the Green Monster effortlessly. If he continues that pattern, he could be liable to damage the cars in the parking lot behind the wall.

He can thank Magadan for that one.

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