Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Tue Dec 27 12:37:45 2005

>>> I've been wondering what is better a pure, sweet swing or a compact short swing. I've seen hitters like Robby Alomar, Bobby Abreu, Mark McGuire, John Olerud, Manny Ramirez, and Ken Griffey Jr. have. But then there is the short compact swing that hitters like Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, Brian Giles, and Bernie Williams have. A pure, sweet swing can also be short, but not compact. But the short, compact swing can be sweet but not likely. So what is better a pure sweet swing or a short compact swing. <<<

Hi Jermy

Welcome to the site. -- I am not quite sure what your definitions of ‘sweet’ and ‘compact short’ swings are. But it appears most of the players in your ‘sweet’ list keep the bat-head behind the head in the normal launch position while those in the ‘compact short’ list have the bat cocked forward and use pre-launch torque to accelerate the bat to the launch position.

I normally associate ‘compact’ with keeping the hands in closer to the body during rotation. However, you state, “A pure, sweet swing can also be short, but not compact.” – I was wondering, if the batter could not keep the hands in tight (or compact), how could he hit an inside pitch? Therefore, your definition of “compact” is probably different than mine. I would be interested in hearing your definition.

Jack Mankin