Posted by: BHL () on Thu Nov 16 00:12:01 2006

Hi Brian,

Your explanation correctly asserts that "popping the hips" and "squishing the bug" will not necessarily create a rotational swing; however, I find your argument that both the former and the latter are movements associated with linear mechanics extremely problematic.

Brian, the legs and hips begin the kinetic sequence; hence, the hips must rotate or "pop" to provide enough energy for the upper torso / shoulders to gyrate.

Also, according to Mike Epstein, linear hitters "squish the bug" to effectuate hip turn, causing the hips and shoulders to fire simultaneously. Rotational hitters (e.g., Bonds), by contrast, rotate the hips; the consquently, this leads to a type "bug-squishing" where the hips lead the shoulders initially.

When viewed holistically, "hip-popping" and "bug-squishing" do not necessarily "translate in rotational hitting mechanics." However, these qualities, when put into proper perspective, also will not "inhibit real rotational mechanics that the great hitters use." Dismissal of cues, then--since both linear and rotational hitters use them--will not prove or dispove's Brian's contention.

Best,
BHL
Knight1285@aol.com