Posted by: George () on Tue Sep 11 15:11:01 2007

All. Recently we have discussed in a sometimes heated debate Sammy Sosa's application of THT and its presence. But I for one do not wish to fight on this issue but would like to share the following opinion.

From the side view which is not the best, Sosa's bat does angle toward the pitcher (slightly). The question is is it a rearward dynamic or is it simply a collapse of his downward arm movement? Answer: It is hard to say 100% one way or the other. But I am willing to compromise that there is a rearward movement. But, this rearward movement has more to do with Sosa's entire body dropping/coming forward at an angle. Thus if the body angles down, the bat to must angle down as a result from his long stride.

But I also add, is Sosa's technique a desired way to hit because it takes time to have the bat out in front, drop the hands down, bring the bat up and be in a good hitting position?

It works for him. But I just do not see the real benefit of lumping his technique as a standard model (and alluding that it would increase batspeed let alone bat effectiveness.) Rather I see it more as an aberration. (Just my thoughts.)