Posted by: THG () on Tue Jan 8 10:38:57 2008

Over the years it has come to be accepted on this sit that swing flaws are the reason for slumps. And although that is likely and initial problem, it does not explain why hitters go through slumps during the playoffs when they may have come of hot streaks or career years. I believe most of the slump has to do with their thought process which involves mechanics. Also a lot of credit has to be given to the pitcher. But some of the hitters are missing pitches right down the middle of the plate. Basically they are just not picking the ball soon enough or well enough to apply a solid swing. And anyone can execute great mechanics when there is no duress from top of the line pitcher. Kenny Rodgers was completely dominant 2 years ago and it was not the swing plane that put those hitters into slumps, it was the thought process. The same can be said for Clay Buckholz no hitter.