We've never approached slapping and hitting as being mutually exclusive. Having the ability to do both puts pressure on the defense. Last weekend's showcase, DD is up with a girl on 2B. Their HC pulls in the outfield and infield is playing her to slap as well. She drove it over the center fielder's head for a double, which would probably have been a line out had they been playing normal depth. The next at bat they play her normal and she drops down the soft slap.
Nothing beats elite speed. But if you have very good speed (2.8) and can execute against defensive alignments, slapping is another tool in the toolbox. imho
