Posted by: Tony (t_stefko@yahoo.com) on Fri Jul 28 07:15:23 2006

> >>> If Rose is your answer to rotational mechanics, why didn't he at (5'9" 200lbs) hit more homeruns?jima >>>
>
> Hi Jima
>
> Although Pete does take his hands in a CHP, his mechanics would need to apply more torque (THT and BHT) to hit with power. – This clip of Frank Robinson - http://dmcmillan.topcities.com/Robinson1.mov - also shows the CHP. But note how applying THT allowed him to generate much greater rearward acceleration of the bat-head from the launch position back toward the lag position (bat pointing at the catcher).
>
> Jack Mankin

Jack,

Actually, this clip of Frank Robinson is probably not the best one to demonstrate because his timing is clearly off a little. His swing actually becomes somewhat linear at the end, but not by intent. If you watch closely, you will notice that in the last few frames, his shoulder rotation stops completely and he has to use his hands to move the bat to the ball. This happens to the best rotational hitters, when their timing is slightly off. Although he may have hit this ball well, he is not making contact at an ideal time in the swing and probably lost some power. If you look at clips of hitters when they hit for power, you will always see that shoulder rotation continues through the point of contact.

Usually the answer to the shoulder pulling out is very simple. When the shoulders begin to rotate, the angle of the lead arm should stay consistent to the point of contact. This ensures the arms and hands rotate with the shoulders. Usually when hitters seem to be pulling their front shoulder out, the front arm will straighten as the shoulders begin to rotate. This is bat lag. The arms become disconnected from the main axis of rotation and usually just before contact, you will see the shoulders stop rotating and the arms move the bat to the ball for contact because they need to catch up.

Tony