Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Tue Jun 17 13:32:24 2008

>>> Do you think Jack that any MLB player that properly executes a rotational swing, would swing in the same manner as Rose.
The reason I ask, is because Rose didn't extend himself much.
Similar I think to the Boggs' and, the Carews.Kind of a conservative swing if you will.
When I'm working with my little leaguers, I try to emphasize to them imagine their back elbow is attached to their side as they initiate swing.
Thanks. <<<

Hi John

Regardless of the hitter, including Rose, the laws of physics govern the amount of power and bat speed attained. As far as Rose is concerned, his mechanics produces both less handle torque and pendulum effect than hitters with higher slugging percentages. Rather than not extending himself as much, he exhibits too much extension of his arms by contact to produce the optimum “hook” in the hand-path needed to maximize torque and pendulum effect.

You are correct in teaching your hitters to imagine their back elbow is attached to their side. Once the elbow lowers to the side, it should remain there (in the “L” position) during rotation to contact. Keeping the back-elbow back at the side as the lead-shoulder rotates back toward the catcher (105 degree position) produces maximum torque at the handle (BHT) and also maximizes bat-head acceleration from the pendulum effect.

Jack Mankin