Posted by: Jeff M () on Mon Oct 14 06:06:53 2002

S.P.

MLB owners and GM's focus on acquiring the best possible talent within a defined salary range. In addition, they strive to field an experienced coaching staff, one that can communicate with, and hopefully motivate the players on a daily basis. Prof. hitting instrutors come in two basic flavors...the former ML hitter, and the true coach. Former hitters can rely on past experiences to assist players when they reach a slump. They can talk with confidence about things like pitch selection, range of motion, hitches and other things they might see. Former hitters can also step up to the plate and demonstrate...this is important for many reasons. Pro coaches may not have been players, but have studied the science of hitting, and can offer empirical data which should, if explained properly, assist just about everyone in the lineup. I think it's very important to have qualified hitting coaches at all levels of pro ball, but remember, it's a two way street...the player must be willing to listen and learn...otherwise the coach...any coach...is just wasting his time.

If I were running an organization, I would put my best communicator and demonstrator in the A league, and best or most experienced listener up top. Kids out of HS or college need one-on-one demos with the bat. They need to see and learn what's required of an "at-bat". Guys already up need someone willing to agree with them...someone who excepts their slump excuses...someone "not confrontational".

Jeff M...not Henry