Posted by: The Hitting Guru () on Wed Dec 20 17:41:24 2006

> Hi All
>
> We are currently developing subjects to be covered in our Video Analysis DVD & Program. One of the topics is “Debunking Linear Cues”. So far, I have listed 12 linear batting cues that have stalled batter’s progress for decades. In order to be as accurate as possible, it would be helpful to have your input on the “intent” of these linear cues.
>
> As an example, the linear cue that I am presently addressing is; “Don’t hit around the ball.” – What is the intend of this cue? – Since the bat only moves forward less than ¾ inch while in contact with the ball, we know the bat is not rapping around the ball. Therefore, I assume the cue is intended to have the bat hit the “inside” part of the ball rather than the “outside.”
>
> If the bat strikes the inside of the ball, it will be driven to the “opposite field.” Hitting the outside of the ball will drive it to the “pull” side. -- Is there a difference between telling a batter – “Don’t hit around the ball” than there is telling him - “Don’t pull the ball?”
>
> Your input would be appreciated.
>
> Jack Mankin

---------------------------------------------------------------------
Hitting around the ball is a term used to describe the scenic route to the ball. Hitting through as defined by Manny Ramirez is taking the short route to the ball or in effect taking the knob to the ball (ala fence drill). Taking the long route to the ball would in effect cause the hitter to take a longer time to go from point A to point B. And in some cases make it almost impossible to keep an inside pitch fair if one is to get the barrel out. This is perhaps what caused Frank Thomas so many problems once the inside pitch off the plate was calle for strikes against him. He in effect almost had to swing and step at the same time in order to keep the inside pitch fair or bring his hands in and spin hit.

With regard to tell a player not to hit a ground ball as opposed to pulling the ball, I will use the Chicago White Sox hitters as an example. For those who were able to watch the White Sox, it was noted that they hit into an incredible amount of double plays during the end of the season. Most of those double plays were with the bases loaded and with runners on 1st and second. They basically shot themselves in the foot when they had the opportunity to either get back into games or extend leads. Part of the problem was that their hitters seemed to make no effort to move runners (hit the ball to the opposite field). This was so, but what also hurt is that the hitters seemed to be impatient and were rolling the hands over prematurely. In so doing they were probably going around the ball which almost assures hitting the top half of the ball. This is so because almost the entire batting plane is angled outwards which assures a pulled hit. And some of the only hitters of recent to be able to hit somewhat effectively with the premature wrist roll were Lou Whitaker and Joe Carter.