Posted by: Jimmy () on Thu Feb 22 13:01:04 2007

> "We are not talking about plate coverage, we are talking about the barrel staying on the
linear path that the ball is pitched on in order to give better odds of solid contact, and
stronger contact."
>
> You're talking about two mutually exclusive desires when you talk about bat speed and
maximizing time in the sweet spot.
>
> The only way for the bat to stay in the sweet spot longer is for the head of the bat to
move slower. The bunt is the ultimate example of this.
>
> It's impossible to hit a ball harder by swinging slower.
>
> You might have a better chance of making contact with the ball, but you are unlikely to
hit it very hard. As a result, it will be an easier play for a infielder.
>
> I will grant you that this tactic works up to maybe 4th grade, but once you start playing
against good infielders, you have to hit the ball hard in order to have a chance of getting it
through the infield.

Chris,

Bat-speed and maximizing time in the sweet spot is the combination that all hitters want.
Meshing the two is what All-Star calliber players do. You are talking about the "all or
nothing player", accually mostly "nothing" player.

One dimentionl hitters don't make it very far in baseball. Have you ever heard the
description of a hitter having "good hands". This means he has exceptional control of the
bat as well as the ability to drive the ball. Major League hitters have "good hands"

I have never heard anyone describe a good hitter as having "good shoulders".

Jimmy