Posted by: Graylon (g_dunc@hotmail.com) on Mon Nov 5 22:09:56 2007

> > > Jack. Why is it that almost without fail, hitters miss hitting a good fastball by swinging under the ball. Not that I am trying to take anything away Josh Beckett, but why do not the hitters 1) start their swings earlier (looking for the fastball only), 2) swing above the level of the ball or 3) tomohawk the high waist to shoulder level pitch?
> > >
> > > Granted the players might not get a hit, but atleast one would think they would have a better chance of making contact. How many times does a hitter have to swing and miss to understand he has to change something?
> >
> > Hi THG,
> >
> > I have a question for you (not to make light of your question). Have you ever been at the plate with a guy who has incredible control and is throwing a fast ball 90 plus with wicked movement? It's on you quick with not much room for error. I know the hitters are pros but don't forget the pitcher is also a pro and he has the advantage. It is definitley not easy or everyone would be doing it.
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> Actually, I have back in the day. And I kept swinging under the ball and or fouling the pitch back. Thus is the reason why I proposed the question. My only way of making solid and or any contact at all was to start everything early and discount anything other than the fastball.

THG,

Since you have faced a good fast ball before I know you know how hard it is to hit.

I agree with you about dicounting everything but the fast ball. I believe that without any strikes against you or even one strike you should be looking for and guessing at only one pitch. You should be looking for only the pitch that you can destroy. With two strikes you have to protect a bit but I still think that you should be looking for the pitch that you struggle with and adjust to anything else.