Posted by: Shawn (mariner0324@yahoo.com) on Sun Aug 7 20:27:13 2005

> >>> What is the best way to apply Pre Launch Torque early in the swing? I've come up with my own way(s), but would a Jose Guillen approach (cocks the bat straight up the first base line, bringing the bat almost parallel to the ground) work best? Or just a simple bat cock like A-Rod work best? http://www2.tokai.or.jp/mlb/se412_alex605_012.jpg <<<
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> Hi Hitter
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> There are a number of different styles used successfully by the best hitters to apply Pre-Launch Torque. It appears to be a matter of preference and what may be best suited for one may not be best for all. Whatever style is used, its basic purpose is to make the bat feel lighter during initiation by having the bat-head accelerated at launch (less inertia to overcome).
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> Hitter, I would suggest to you that unless you have sound productive mechanics from the normal launch position, attempting PLT of any style is counterproductive. I have found its application magnifies the existing flaws in a batter’s mechanics. I think your practice time would be better spent working on lessening the tension of your wrist and arms to allow the pendulum effect of your CHP to swing the bat-head instead of muscling it around. Then work on adding a little BHT (and later THT) without altering your CHP.
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> Good CHP and BHT mechanics alone can produce a college or pro prospect hitter. When applied correctly, they can generate all the bat speed you will need for pitches middle-in. Then you can work on adding THT for pitches away. --- PLT is better used once you are a successful hitter with the other three.
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> Jack Mankin

Hitter,

I think your exaggerating Jose approach just a little, sure he cocks the barrel forward a good distance. I really like Jose style and think it's a good one to copy. He start with the barrel held vertical in a more normal position, from there he cock the the top hand and tips the barrel forward. All this is down infront of the body and not wrapped around the head, instead the barrel is tipped forward infront of the head.

I don't think more means it's going to be better, some hitters just tip the barrel forward for a little extra. That is why I like Jose's style. He might cock the barrel forward for that little extra action, but it's still within reason.

Another thing I think that is important when trying to give your swing that little extra something. You must keep the hands in while doing this move. Jack wrote about the process some time ago about doing this maneuver. Much of it I took as keeping the hands in during initiation. Your swing might get loopy or the hands will begin to uncock much to early. This is where I disagree with some of Jack's stuff. I don't think the hands should uncock to early while trying to apply THT.

In short I think Jose is a great example of PLT, THT, and the swing itself. He positions the bat very well. Take Guerrero for example, he cocks the bat back forth prior to starting his swing. He then maintains the cocked position with the barrel pretty much in the same position as Jose. So Guerrero is jsut starting from a pre determined position. Barry Bonds does the same thing cocks the barrel in his stance and then holds a position. Barry doesn't have the barrel as far forward as Jose and Guerrero, because his hands are lower so he is also bringing the hands up to the back shoulder as he prepares his swing. Then there's Sheffield who times his cock forward to the release of the ball in a more dynamic fashion, he is someone to look at as well. There's Tejeda who is somewhat like Guerro, pretty close styles (both start from a cocked position).

The lesson from all these hitters is if you position the hands and bat correctly your left with no choice but to apply THT as the swing begins, regardless of how PLT is applied. From a good starting position THT is more naturally applied. There no way you could just takes the hands straight to the ball from a good starting position.

Here is a pic of Jose close his stance position and then where he cocks forward to his starting position.

http://s6.invisionfree.com/Hitting/index.php?showtopic=157