Posted by: Joe A. () on Tue Oct 16 05:08:09 2001

>>> I always thought that Jason Giambi is a linear hitter because he takes such a long stride, and his head moves a lot during the swing, it seems like his hand path is pretty good though, what are your thoughts watching Giambi? <<<
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> Hi Jeff
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> I have not charted the swing of Jason Giambi and I have found my impressions formed while viewing a swing in live (or even slow motion) is many times inaccurate. But, below is a post I made earlier that relates to your question.
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> “Many coaches define linear or rotational mechanics in terms of the batter’s body movement. If the batter strides forward or shifts weight forward he is considered to be a linear hitter. No-stride hitters are thought of as rotational. But many of the batters that have a circular hand-path and use top and bottom-hand-torque may also have a fairly long stride. Many no-striders have a more linear hand-path. So what determines a batter to be linear or rotational?
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> Although body rotation is the energy for the swing, the upper-body transfer mechanics that converts that energy into bat speed is really what determines whether the batter’s mechanics is linear or rotational. --- Knob first extension mechanics has the bat-head trailing behind the hands through much of the swing and the bat does not reach contact until the arms near full extension – those are the characteristic of linear mechanics.
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> A circular hand-path and the constant application of torque bring the bat to contact much farther back in the swing – those are rotational mechanic principles.”
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> Jack Mankin
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Jeff,

Almost all hitters are rotational. Don't be fooled by a hitter who moves the front foot. Some pick it up and put it back in the same place, other move it very little- less then two inches. Remember it's a stride if the "heel" moves, not the toes. The body does not move if the heel dosen't move. IF a hitter turns his toes toward the pitcher and the heel remains in the same place, this is not a stirde.

The hitters who stride more then two inches do it early. They stop and create a new foundation for the swing before the start thier movement to the ball. Or if you want you can say they create a "new stance." After that most are rotational and they all do the "key ingrediant" the same without exception.

I don't know what the hell Bagwell is doing.

Joe A.

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