Posted by: jima (andyii@cox.net) on Wed Jan 11 07:54:15 2006

John: thanks for the response. Since this is a rotational hitting site, I don't feel comfortable taking negative stance...also, I do agree that a certain amount of rotation is necessary to achieve bat speed. I guess my point is that there is far more to hitting than bat speed and I think some of the instructors are developing hitters with power when pitches are in certain locations but easy outs when thrown off speed pitches with location. Extension does slow the bat speed down but it also offers the average batter a better opportunity to make solid contact...its been my experience that good rotational hitters have to stand too close to the plate to cover the outside pitch and a consequently pull foul pitches on the inside...great hitters like Williams and Bonds had/have the athletic ability to adjust or to wait for the pitcher to make a mistake and not miss. To my way of thinking, I want my players to hit the ball hard and to get it in play...I want my 2nd baseman to be able, when fooled, to make contact...a certain amount of extension facilitates this...power is not everything in baseball...boy, I guess I'm really an old school creep...anyway, I'll keep an open mind. Right now my players are seeing Gregg Ritchie, minor league hitting instructor for the Pirates...I'm much more comfortable with his teaching theories towards hitting and playing the game. Thanks for your patience and time. jim