Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Thu Dec 6 16:46:55 2007

Hi Tom

Let us just say we agree to disagree with your evaluation of the triple pendulum effect of the lead-arm. I read your analysis and still contend that allowing a flexed lead-arm to extend approaching contact does result in disconnect from rotation and also reduces the hook in the hand-path effect.

In regards to shoulder rotation, I agree that arm action and tilting of the shoulders can, and do, accelerate the bat rearward before shoulder rotation is initiated. In fact, that is why I broke up the mechanic into two phases – PLT (Pre-Launch Torque – applied before “go” and shoulder rotation) -- and -- THT (Top-Hand-Torque – torque continuing to be applied as full shoulder is initiated).

However, you state, “Of course the shoulders turn to contact, but if they are actively turned with the attempt to feel like you are turning them to power the swing. This will "rush" the load/coil of the torso and limit early batspeed and late adjustability forcing you to committ early and tend to pull off the ball.”

Surely, you are saying this is only true during the PLT phase. During the swing, Teacherman says the hips rotate but the shoulders do not. I hope you too are not saying that shoulder rotation should be resisted once the “go” decision has been made and the hands are being accelerated. To clarify this, let us review the over-head clip of Rose again.

Rose – hip to shoulder rotation

We have all noted that this clip has left out the beginning of his swing. It eliminates his pre-launch movements and starts during “go”. Would you say that during Rose’s swing (from the first frame on), he is rotating his hips but trying to resist shoulder rotation?

Jack Mankin