Posted by: ERIK LASEKE (djump255@aol.com) on Fri Oct 1 18:47:48 2004

Hi Jack,
It was a pleasure speaking with you the other day thanks.I will explain my ideas on the swing.I think there is more than one way to approach the swing.I believe you have to understand what type of hitter you have or are to deetermine the approach of the swing.I'm talking about hitters strengths and weaknesses.I think If you're trying to get the ball in the air and have a hitter that can drive the ball and has good rotational mechanics ,bat speed then a slight upslope is good.Would i have him focus on just training to uppercut?NO,I wouldn't think that would make him a complete hitter.Again i think you have to know the hitters strengths/weakneses.Would you want a hitter that can't drive the ball having a up sloap swing?I think the early device with the tee connected was a lot tougher to have a upslope in the swing.I still believe that the early device was good to train with and it helped ken griffey jr with his approach in training before games.Have you ever watched Tino Martinez on deck he focuses on swinging down he can still hit homeruns?This downward swing helps.I left the device with jr in chicago and the next 6days he hit homeruns he was using this device at the time.I think the top hitters practice swinging down at times why would you just swing up it has an effect.I think swinging down for training can help hitters from getting to extreme with uppercutting can you see that?YEs ,the newer model does allow a hitter to work both ways.I think you are correct with coaches getting carried away with to much swinging down.Agai i think you have to evaluate the hitter and where he/she postions the hands to start from.I agree the bat has to level out at contact. A level swing that is impossible do you agree?TO your question about the body and what the body does or should do?I like a hitter to be leveraged when he is in his stance.I mean pushing against the ground these allows hitters to get more stregth and maintain balance.I agree with the swing planes with hitters but what about leverage down low?Should a hitter raise up to swing or stay down?If up what does he lose?Should he lean over towards the plate or straighten up ?What happens when a hitter straightens up or fall back when starting or approaching the swing?HE loses something doesn't he? Ithink the swing is level at the plate.i chose number three with Mcgwire swing he starts with his hand low you have to come 10to 15 degrees.Ted williams held his hand low this is why he hand top spin at times from coming up.I used to talk hitting with him in spring training he finally agreed i do understand hittting.