How can a team be 15th in batting average and 1st in bases on balls? These guys can't hit, so we better not pitch to them. 
My guess would be the hitting coach wants them to swing at anything close to the zone, aiming for contact rather than a hit. Tires out the other team's pitcher, gives you a better chance at a walk, and if you accidentally make too much contact, results in an infield fly or weak ass grounder most of the time. But I say that without looking up any stats like BABIP or if their K rate has dropped (or increased?) significantly from years past.
