Posted by: BHL (Knight1285@aol.com) on Sat Mar 3 00:14:44 2007

> "I see your point: although Barry Bonds squishes the bug, and opens the foot at 90 degrees, Albert Pujols does not."
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> In looking at photos of Bonds...
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> http://www.chrisoleary.com/projects/Baseball/Hitting/Images/BarryBonds_2006_Double_001.jpg
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> http://www.chrisoleary.com/projects/Baseball/Hitting/Images/BarryBonds_2002_HomeRun_001.jpg
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> http://www.chrisoleary.com/projects/Baseball/Hitting/Images/BarryBonds_2001_HomeRun_Number73.jpg
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> ...I see what you are describing as squishing the bug. It's definitely different than what Pujols does. However, I'm not convinced that it's exactly what is described as squishing the bug. I don't think there's much weight on the back foot (even though the back toe never comes off the ground).
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> "Pujols' thigh also does not tilt towards the catcher anywhere near the degree that Bonds does."
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> I'm not so sure, but I don't think it's that big of a deal.
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> "On the other hand, though, I agree that teaching Pujol's style of hitting is not a bad one to teach either."
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> My only question is whether Bonds is doing what you think he is. I think there may be more commonality between Bonds and Pujols.
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> "I think we both can degree that Pujols back leg is in the form an "L" at contact (even though this image is not stated)."
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> Yes.
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> Why do you think this matters?
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> "My question is that do you think Pujol's rear arm also forms an "L" at contact. To me, this is pretty obvious"
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> Yes.
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> "I'm wondering what you have to say about Pujol's upper body mechanics."
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> He's a little unusual. His torso, while leaning over the plate like most, isn't leaning back toward the pitcher like many do.
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> "By the way, your site has some well-delineated corollaries on them. I'd be glad to offer advice to strengthen the connections."
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> Talk to me. ;-)
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> "P.S. In the clip where you analyze Pujol's home run swing step by step, I would change Pujol's back leg is in a 90 degree angle to Pujol's back leg is in a 90 degree angle L-shaped position. Emphasize the visual."
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> Good point. I just made the change.

Hi Chris,

Earlier in Bond's career he was more of a bug-squisher. On inside pitches, Bonds still sometimes shows this tendency, as well as a propensity for tilting his thigh backwards towards the catcher. Here is what I mean: http://mikeepsteinhitting.com/extra/bondsanalysis.pdf.

Best,
BHL
Knight12865@aol.com