Posted by: Lamber () on Tue Dec 23 20:53:35 2003

>>> It is impossible to launch from the position he launches from without having linear hands/arms. <<<
>
> Hi Lamber
>
> In regards to your statement above, there is an important question you must ask yourself. – If forces Arod’s hands/arms applies to the bat are linear (straight and inline forward) during launch, what is causing the bat-head to accelerate in an arc back toward the catcher?
>
> This would also be a good time for you to answer a question I asked earlier that you failed to respond to. – “Can you (or Paul) explain how a linear force applied to a bat will induce angular displacement of the bat-head?”
>
> Jack Mankin
>

Jack

First of all, it's OK for a good hitter to be linear. Doesn't mean it disproves all you stand for. Doesn't mean your philosophy is wrong. Just means there is another way of doing it. He's definately in the minority and I wouldn't teach his mechanics. I believe rotational offers many advantages to a hitter. But can you really say that what you see in Bonds and Sosa is the same that you see in Arod? As much as I like you, your site and your hitting philosophy, I can't drink that kool aid. My eyes clearly tell me there is a difference.

As far as the THT you claim Arod applies to the bat and how that fits with his linear arm movement, I see no mutually exclusive relationship. Yes, you can have both.

I can very easily suppinate my rear forearm, which would apply THT and cause angular displacement, while at the same time pull my arms forward moving the hands in a linear A to B fashion. This is what Arod does.

I can also suppinate my rear forearm to apply THT and leave my rear elbow slotted which leaves my hands at the armpit area without pulling my arms forward which is what most all good rotational hitters do.

This is a far better explanation than "Arod applies THT for a longer period of time which pulls the elbow out of the slot". THT is supposed to be a "back to the catcher movement". How does extended THT, extended moving back toward the catcher, lead to the elbow leaving the slot and causing an A to B movement of the hands TOWARD THE PITCHER. That explanation makes no sense to me and doesn't match what my eyes tell me when watching his swing.

Therefore, Arod has a linear upper half. His arms move his hands from A to B.

And, I don't believe I or Paul Nyman has claimed a linear force causes angular displacement so I'm not sure the purpose of your other question.

What I think has to be considered is the ability of the hands to do one thing while the arms pull them to a new location. THT is not eliminated by the arms moving in a straight line in an A to B fashion.