Posted by: The Hitting Guru (hitman3527@aol.com) on Thu Mar 30 22:05:50 2006

> First, I am coming in being taught and used Linear Mechanics, but have some questions about Rotational. I was always taught that what looks like a rotational swing is a "long swing" and it does seem like there are a lot of wholes in the swing. The swing also looks like it would produce A LOT of popups if the ball does not go out of the park...any ideas?


The most important thing to remember is consistency. Players who apply rotational principles correctly are probably going to hit as Jack tries to teach. Players who apply rotational incorrectly are going to be prone to striking out alot and thus hurting their teams.

A flyball that does not go out of the park is an almost certain out for a player that does not have above average physical strength. A ground ball has to be picked up, thrown accurately, and the 1st baseman must make the catch. So the key is to hit a line drive using whatever method that will allow you to have a high on base percentage and help your team win games. Situational hitting is overlooked in many respects because the players who make the big money are almost certainly your homerun hitters.

There is not now and never will be one way to hit. There is always an Ichiro who will prove there is more than one way to make it to and stay in the major leagues. Ty Cobb, Pete Rose, Tony Gwynn, Rod Carew, and Wade Boggs proved that you do not have to pull the ball or hit homeruns in order to make it to the Hall of Fame. Each player was a complete master of what he did well.

Or put another way, if only the best player(s) hit a homerun once in every 11 at bats, how the heck is the team going to win if everyone is trying to hit a homerun in each at bat regardless of the count. Regardless of whether you choose rotational or linear, you are going to have to put the time in to be consistent in your approach.

Remember a long swing is not to your detriment if that swing is started on time or if you have the physical strength or athletic ability to make up the difference. Generally the great ones can get away with unorthodox technique. All great hitters have two things in common. They hit the ball hard consistently and they make the pitcher pay for making mistake pitches.