- Nov 16, 2017
- 406
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If you compare the first movements in all 3 swing types, aren't all of the bats moving downward? In the case of the "down to" guys, their demo swings don't match their game swings but the focus is on getting the barrel down. That means getting the barrel down with speed, behind the ball and that happens to match what they do in games.
So in a way, all 3 swings are the same, but the guys swinging the bats get there using different mental paths.
No it is different.
It is clear to DeRosa the difference. That is why he asked Donaldson "so you are up there guessing a lot?".
If you plane early with the hands you are committing early. If you commit early and guess right, BAM get out of here. However, if you have to adjust as the HOF's do then you are screwed. Donaldson even has said in his interviews he doesn't worry about batting average. That is why.
Same with TM. Early commit = possible more power for the sake of adjustability.
ARod has made this clear why this is a big deal. During the season you will not see the best pitchers often. So the watch me guess right and hit a dinger works. Come playoff time, you need to get on base. You are now facing the best pitchers giving their best. Contact matters in the post season. The Down to approach is going to lead to higher averages, with maybe less homeruns, maybe? So why have a great season approach that will fail you come playoff time?
Donaldson made it clear, they don't pay me for singles, they pay me for doubles and homers. Effective season strategy. Playoff loser.