Posted by: Teacherman () on Fri Jan 31 20:12:45 2003

Here is a question to anyone for analysis. If we divide the hitting zone into 4 areas (inside low, inside high, outside low, outside high) does the style of hitting, either linear or rotational lend itself to being more effective in hitting a particular zone and thus creating the weakness or strengths of each hitter? I know this seems like a very wordy question but it brings a second dimension to hitting techniques which is knowing your strengths and weaknesses when you step into the batters box. Most average hitters are two zone hitters. Your above average hitters are three zone hitters and one in a million can hit all four zones. If a person would examine the hitting style of the greatest hitters is it the ability to hit all zones or the ability to reconize which zones they hit the best and concentrating on their strengths? I guess it is a two part question.
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> thanks
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> dave

IMHO a good hitter covers one zone on each pitch. The game is too fast to cover all areas. You just don't have enough time to recognize zone and then pull off a good swing. As Epstein talks about, with less than 2 strikes, you have to choose a zone and setup and be prepared to hit anything that enters that zone. He's more concerned with zone than speed. With 2 strikes things are different but with less than 2 strikes you should be sitting on a pitch and drive it if you get it and take it if you don't, even if it is a strike.

The best hitters 1) are able to handle their zone very well (if the pitch comes to the area they are expecting, they drive it) and 2) they are good at taking educated guesses as to where the pitcher will pitch them.