Posted by: Theo (mtheoharis@hotmail.com) on Thu Apr 8 00:13:07 2004

When I said genetic freaks I meant the select few, (Bonds, A Rod) that do not spend much time in player development. However, that was not meant as a crack at their work ethics and that is a great point: genetics may help but that is not what got any position player to the big leagues.

However, I stand by my point that we are selling kids short if we do not explain to them that mechanics is only half the battle at most. I see more and more kids with "mechanical" swings and by that I mean pre-loaded, strictly rotational swings that have no rhythym and balance to them.

That said when you do work on the tee, in soft toss, against a iron mike resist the urge to simply "groove" your swing and move the ball around and make sure your swing has rhythym and flow and is not mechanical.

Genetic freaks? I think not, they just had great swings and lots of practice. Genetics may help but that is not what got any position player into the big leagues.
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> The key to learning how to hit a curveball is facing a good bp pitcher with a good curveball and have him mix them in without you knowing. Do this often and you will be able to pick it up easier. If it is possible, try to face a lefty and a righty with a good curve often.