Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Mon Dec 10 00:04:38 2001

please read post, by me, on Sat Dec 8 09:05:10 2001. would really want to know what you think.

Sat Dec 8 09:05:10 2001
>> > "squashing the bug" can be interpreted by different people, many different ways. as a general rule i don't advocate the seemingly physical translation of what the term seemingly implies. therefore, an answer by me would just muddy the water. sorry for the cop-out, but if you better define what you mean (in physical terms) by "squashing the bug"?

but, your question has generated the most interesting discussion here, in a long time.
if i may, tom, with apologies to you, ask a question of all recent posters to this thread (yourself, batman, jack, tom.guerry).

assumptions:
rh pitcher
rh batter
normal stance (not up nor back, nor in nor out)
fastball with no movement, belt high

question:
two pitches thrown - one over the center of the plate and one on the outside corner.
where do you feel the optimum contact point for either pitch is, in relation to home plate?
i should have said rh rotational batter and hi shawn, i would like to hear your answer to the above question as well. ray porco <<<

Hi Ray

First, I would need the answers to more assumptions
 How many outs?
 How many on base?
 Hitting behind the runner or need a fly ball?
 How fast am I?
 How deep is the third baseman playing?
 How much power do I have?
 How long is my stride?
 Etc.

Ray, normally I would have a batter practice making contact when the bat becomes perpendicular for most pitch placements. But there will be times (being jammed with a pitch for one) when this is not the best choice. --- Contact is made about even with the lead-knee.

Jack Mankin