Posted by: The Hitting Guru (hitman3527@aol.com) on Mon Mar 13 16:43:05 2006

> >>> Though Jack Mankin has made it clear to me that linear movement has no effect on distance hitting, I cannot help but notice the linear movement of Ichiro Suzuki. It appears Ichiro uses a dramatic weight shift combined with a rotational swing in order to pull pitches for homeruns. I have a problem believing his weight shift does not contribute to his power. From what I see, the inertia going forward of his entire body contributes to added distance when timed correctly. I await anyone's comments/explanation who would dispel this as false. <<<
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> Hi Guru
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> Suzuki’s linear movement does not add to the power of his swing. The bat-head still rotates the same number degrees to contact. Taking the axis forward during the swing elongates and straightens the hand-path, which reduces bat-head acceleration from the pendulum effect. Taking his axis forward does give him more of a running start toward first base – similar to the “slap hitting” technique that is used in softball.
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> I have a number of clips of Bonds that shows his axis fading rearward (negative weight shift) at contact. I suspect this is due to attaining more “hook” in his hand-path for certain pitch locations. Regardless, in answering your question, we can safely say that Bonds can produce more power with a rearward moving axis at contact than Suzuki does with linear movement.
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> Jack Mankin


Jack. No offense, but to make a point I do not think we can make a comparison using Bonds. Bonds is probably twice as strong as Ichiro, and has most likely used banned substances. But on the other hand it would be interesting to see Bonds bat like Ichiro or vice versa.