Posted by: Doug () on Tue Jan 6 16:51:22 2004

Hi Doug
> > > >
> > > > In a post last month you made a reference to all bat-heads first arcing back toward the catcher. That is an important topic and I will bring the post forward and address it in the next few days. Thanks for being patient.
> > > >
> > > > Jack Mankin
> > > >
> > >
> > > This is an average swing. Hitting is hitting and there are many ways to swing or many ways to produce force in the swing.
> > >
> > > I get a little tired of hearing about rotation and this is or isn't a rotational swing. It's more how he is using the body to swing, he is trying to rotate.
> > >
> > > You might not like what coach C is saying but there are some flaws in this swing.
> > >
> > > "In a post last month you made a reference to all bat-heads first arcing back toward the catcher. That is an important topic and I will bring the post forward and address it in the next few days. Thanks for being patient."
> > >
> > > I could agree with this statement. In the swing being discussed rotation sucks his elbow ahead of his top hand. You don't see this in a ML swing. You do see this in amateur hitters regardless of their prowess or success.
> > >
> > >
> > > Shawn
> >
> > Shawn, I have hundreds of clips of major league hitters, and about 7 out of 10 will have their elbow ahead of their hands at "connetion", with the hands then moving ahead of the elbow as they approach contact. The rest will have their hands right above their elbow at connection. I feel that you have made an incorrect statement when you say that you won't see this in a ML hitter. How about Bonds, Giambi,Kent, Ordonez, Piazza and Glaus. I have them all on film making this same move.
> >
> > Doug
>
> DOUG,
>
> I've seen many things on film so it's hard to make absolutes. Mcgwire comes to mind who might have lead with the elbow at times.
>
> I disagree with what your saying about the others. They don't lead with the elbow in the same manner. It doesn't seem to cause a longer swing, but it affects the swing plane. Many hitters hands and bats are pulled down and forward. What your seeing in the others is different.
>
> This is only one swing of batting practice which may or may not be one of his better swings. I can see why it's happening, largely due to the amount of vertical forces being created.
>
> Hitting is more than just great mechanics and even the best hitters breakdown and make adjustments. It's hard to say who has a great swing because everybody produces force differently. Even if they "LOOK" (Jack) the same, they all are completely different hitters with their own absolutes.
>
> Shawn

Sorry Shawn, But I have have been collecting film on hitters since 1979 and what you say about the elbow is wrong. Not just a few guys, but about 7 out of 10. The swing is not difficult......if you have talent. A good hip turn and the elbow going into the slot with a good shoulder turn and keeping the hands palm up, palm down for as long as you can and you can hit. "Vertical forces"......I think you have read too many books.

Doug