Posted by: THG () on Tue Jul 15 15:28:46 2008

Board. In the homerun derby, in particular I noticed LAU's contribution to Josh Hamilton's swing. For this reason I highlight Lau rather than the Derby itself, even though Hamilton is the recent subject.

In the slowmotion swing (MLB.com)of one of Josh's longer blasts to the black seats in Yankee stadium he releases his top hand at the point of contact. This means that his release off the bat is taking place DURING CONTACT as opposed to after contact. I played this replay back and forth and am 100% sure in what I saw take place.

This type of release is what Charlie Lau Sr. preached for years regarding full extension and or finishing high. As such I am of the opinion that Hamilton should carry the torch which George Brett originally held as the prototype student for lead arm extension and discipline of the head during the swing.