Posted by: jima (andyii@cox.net) on Tue Oct 31 05:47:02 2006

As some of you know I'm not a total devotee to the methods espoused at this site. I do have a lot of respect for Mr. Mankin and his willingness to offer a forum such as this. It is probably true that "rotational" mechanics produce the greatest bat speed. The question is whether bat speed is the most important aspect of hitting. My previous posts have emphasized timing, balance, the ability to go to the opposite field, and most important, the ability to control the bat in order to make solid contact. In my opinion (as well as many other respected teachers) solid contact is more important than 5 or 10 mph of bat speed and solid contact can best be accomplished, I believe, with an initial move of the hands to the ball prior to the rotation around the fixed front leg. Jack knows that I don't buy into videos since we don't know the location of the pitch; the type of pitch or the game situation. Anyway, does anyone know of a MLB manager who has spoken of the need to have rotational mechanics? Maybe Bochy...one other thing...I don't think we should be trying to develop hitters which emulate Kingman, Bautista, etc. jima