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© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
4,361 comments Add your comment
P-Town Brave ©
December 2nd, 2010
12:33 pm
Ease-
So ya got me there…I don’t look nor rely an incredible amount on minors stats…
Riding on buses from town to town, using bad wood, cheaper gloves, and playing on less than pristine fields…just never made much sense to put an incredible amount on that, especially when comparing players…
Just look at what Hanley Ramirez did in the minors…
Do you think anyone thought Prado would be a team MVP and All-Star based on his minor league numbers?
But yeah, i’ll give you props for your homework and will say that you are right in the sense that i don’t have confidence in Hicks or give him much credit.
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2010
12:36 pm
You mentioned “an announcement from the Braves”. Have they said there will be some kind of announcement today, or do you just mean that due to the non-tender deadline they will have to decide on Diaz today one way or another? — RC
I was just referring to the deadine. Braves (and other teams) must announce whether they tendered or non-tendered each of their remaining unsigned players.
CraZyTRaDeMaN
December 2nd, 2010
12:39 pm
Trade for Brendan Ryan
or
use Brandon Ryan Hicks
Such a compelling argument!
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 2nd, 2010
12:39 pm
Shoot P-Town, you had me scramblin’ for something to back up my argument…I was about to admit I was out of my element (baseball-reference overload). I am just the snarky guy looking to make some sarcastic comment at the inopportune time
I will agree too, that he is probably due for more “seasoning” and a veteran utility guy is the answer, I am just not in love with Ryan…I liked the idea of Theroit, and I love the idea of Hall, but that is and was wishful thinking…
cabravesfan
December 2nd, 2010
12:41 pm
P-Town-
Just another comment on the minor league stats thing (sorry, just saw your last comment- didn’t read the whole conversation
)- Look up Brian McCann’s minor league stats- there was nothing there that would indicate he’d become the best hitting catcher in the National League. In fact, there wasn’t much there at all- they are pretty unimpressive 
P-Town Brave ©
December 2nd, 2010
12:43 pm
Ease-
Sadly, if you look to Baseball Reference and the bottom of Brendan Ryan’s sheet…The most comparable to Ryan at his age:
Ryan Theriot
But yeah, given we’ve discussed many a topic between the two of us, you should know I am pretty close to what you are like, although I would use the term (smart *ss)
I just personally want a good fielder that plays mainly SS, but can also play 2b and 3b…who that is, I do not know right now, I just know its not Conrad.
P-Town Brave ©
December 2nd, 2010
12:44 pm
CA-
Agree completely, and thats the thing, you really never know based on various factors…
Its kinda like what we all had said earlier about ML drafts and players…
There are just so many things to take into account in why a player performs a certain way…
Its all a crapshoot really.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 2nd, 2010
12:45 pm
Shut it CraZy, P-Town took me to task and I was not about to be made to look silly…
And yes, I did come across that correlation as well.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 2nd, 2010
12:47 pm
there was nothing there that would indicate he’d become the best hitting catcher in the National League
Wouldn’t that be the ummmm second best hitting catcher in the national league?
cabravesfan
December 2nd, 2010
12:48 pm
P-Town-
Yup
Some guys just seem to thrive on the big stage and some don’t. We’ll never know unless they get the chance
cabravesfan
December 2nd, 2010
12:48 pm
Ease-
Who would you put #1?
P-Town Brave ©
December 2nd, 2010
12:51 pm
Ease-
Don’t even say Buster Posey…
I will pile on w/ McFanny…
If Posey can do what BMac has done for the next 4 years…THEN maybe I’ll say that…but til then, BMac is #1.
ncscoots
December 2nd, 2010
12:52 pm
Wouldn’t that be the ummmm second best hitting catcher in the national league?
Not until Posey does it for at least an entire year. Until then, he’s a half-season rookie flash. McCann’s still champeen.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 2nd, 2010
12:53 pm
See P-Town, back to my ole self…
cabravesfan
December 2nd, 2010
12:54 pm
Damn! Y’all beat me to it. I was just composing a solid argument for why Buster Posey should not yet be considered better then Mac, and both of you just made it moot! Not sure if I should be mad or pleased that I’m not the only one that feels that way
CraZyTRaDeMaN
December 2nd, 2010
12:56 pm
That fat dude in Philly is by far the best C in the NL!!!
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 2nd, 2010
12:57 pm
Look at pooo CraZy…always late to the party…
P-Town Brave ©
December 2nd, 2010
1:01 pm
Crazy-
If I ever took you seriously, I’d be 1/2 to crazytown by now…
Then again, I didn’t enjoy the video games bashing yesterday.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 2nd, 2010
1:03 pm
P-Town – you should appreciate this link…
http://www.nescapades.com/gameroom.htm
ncscoots
December 2nd, 2010
1:08 pm
That fat dude in Philly is by far the best C in the NL!!!
Yeah, though his previous career of those .250/.700 years might distract you from seeing that, LOL.
Martin? A couple-three of years around .280/.800 and then bupkes. Soto? Two years of .285/.850 with a trough-splattering .220/.700 year in between. And neither of those guys caught nearly as many games as McCann over the last three-four-five years.
Posey? Pish. Catch 130 and let’s see how the bat holds up; then we’ll see if the kid is pretender or contender.
(You guys ever think about how hard it is for a catcher to hit after about the 6th inning? Left hand is nearly numb, unless you’re catching Jamie Moyer, maybe. Try hitting ML fastballs one-handed.)
TennesseePaul
December 2nd, 2010
1:13 pm
McCann in 2,869 plate appearances as a catcher, 174 2B’s, 2 3B’s and 111 HR’s (287 XBH), 1 XBH per 9.99 plate appearances.
Mauer in 3,086 plate appearances as a catcher, 174 2B’s 14 3B’s and 75 HR’s (263 XBH), 1 XBH per 11.73 plate appearances.
Posey in 336 plate appearances as a catcher, 16 2B’s, 1 3B and 14 HR’s (31 XBH), 1 XBH per 10.84 plate appearances.
Hammy the Brave
December 2nd, 2010
1:13 pm
DOB,
What I meant to say was the Braves have no established lefty starters in the majors, so why should they take a chance on losing another lefty so close to helping them, at AAA. I’m a fan of Minor, but I don’t think anyone on this board considers him to be established, and having won a rotation spot already.
According to Baseball America, Scott Diamond is eligible to be taken in the Rule 5 draft, along with Braves farmhand Luis Avilan. These Braves pitchers are the first two pitchers listed in the BA scouting reports, on Rule 5 players eligible to be drafted. Here are their scouting reports below:
PITCHERS
• Luis Avilan and Scott Diamond, lhp, Braves: The Braves lost lefty Edgar Osuna in last year’s Rule 5 to the Royals, and these two southpaws have more ability than Osuna. Avilan is a 21-year-old reliever who hasn’t pitched above Class A. However, he has a live arm with an average fastball and curveball, and he was pitching for Lara in the Venezuelan League this winter, getting more exposure. Scouting reports indicate his delivery limits him to a bullpen role, while Diamond has a chance to be a fifth starter as well as a reliever. A nondrafted free agent success story, Diamond reached Triple-A Gwinnett in 2010 and gave up just six homers in 159 overall innings. His 123-54 strikeout-walk ratio was just OK but he has two solid-average pitches in an 86-91 mph fastball and a curve that at times is above-average.
Don’t you think the Braves are playing it too loose, by allowing Diamond to be picked, when he could possibly help them at the major league level, DOB?
Hammy the Brave
dpelfrey
December 2nd, 2010
1:13 pm
Regarding minor league stats, I’ll offer these thoughts..
I think it’s a lot easier to project pitchers based on minor league stats. If their stuff is good enough to consistently dominate hitters at the lower and upper levels, then it’s probably good enough to get out major league hitters too.
On the other hand, I think hitting stats can be a lot more misleading. You can never tell if a guy is padding his stats by beating up on pitchers that will never pitch at the next level, or rehabbing injuries, etc. I wish there was some sort of split where you could look a a hitter’s stats against top-tier pitching. Not sure how that can be done, except to base it on prospect rankings (which recycles a previous argument), but it certainly would tell a lot. I’m sure some sabermetrics dude can come up with a formula.
dpelfrey
December 2nd, 2010
1:17 pm
I think Posey is the real deal. That swing is pretty. The way he carries himself on the field, he looks like he was born to play baseball. Don’t think I would have said the same about Martin and Soto, even when they were raking a few years back.
TennesseePaul
December 2nd, 2010
1:17 pm
George Herman Ruth 10,617 plate appearances total, 506 2B’s, 136 3B’s, 714 HR’s (1356 XBH) 1 XBH per 7.83 plate appearances….
TennesseePaul
December 2nd, 2010
1:20 pm
The Hammer 13,940 plate appearances total, 624 2B’s, 98 3B’s, 755 HR’s (1477 XBH). 1 XBH per 9.44 plate appearances.
ncscoots
December 2nd, 2010
1:21 pm
The Ruth guy doesn’t seem too bad. I’d trade for him, as long the team doesn’t have to give up Teheran or Delgado.
ward
December 2nd, 2010
1:31 pm
Hows it going? Dale Murphy is my hero, and shoe-less joe Jackson is my hero too.Both should be in The Hall Fame. Murphy hit 398 homers all in bigger ball parks.Plus he was never on steroids, and he had great numbers for a team finishing last in his career.Joe
Jackson got hosed, and should be cleared of all chargers. Baseball writers vote them in.
MikeInFl
December 2nd, 2010
1:36 pm
Hammy the Brave, I’m not positive, but I don’t think Scott Diamond is eligible for the Rule 5 draft. He’s only been in the organization 3 years.
ward
December 2nd, 2010
1:37 pm
Both Diaz and Mclouth frightning to have back this year……I’d rather have Hinske.
Murph
December 2nd, 2010
1:40 pm
ward, perhaps you should dedicate yourself to getting a job as a baseball writer, thus allowing you a vote in the HOF elections. You’ve got the writing chops to handle it… DOB takes notes when you are on the blog. Who is your favorite team? You should check their blog to see if they have an opening.
RC
December 2nd, 2010
1:41 pm
(You guys ever think about how hard it is for a catcher to hit after about the 6th inning? Left hand is nearly numb, unless you’re catching Jamie Moyer, maybe. Try hitting ML fastballs one-handed.)
That’s especially hard for a player that throws right/bats left like McCann. Since his catching hand is also his dominant hitting hand, it’s probably twice as difficult as it is for a same-handed catcher.
bascogcjs
December 2nd, 2010
1:43 pm
I don’t get it about Diaz. A lifetime .300 hitter at the age of 31,
and the Braves won’t pay him 2.5 million?
He’s the best hustler on the team and he’s better defensively than many of you are giving him credit for. He’s better in LF than Nate the carnival act.
This is just plain crazy when you think of some of the other salaries.
ward
December 2nd, 2010
1:44 pm
Murph: It’s mind boggling why Dale Murphy isn,t a Hall Of Famer.He would’ve hit twice the home runs, if he was on the Braves during their champinship run.
Mozelle's
December 2nd, 2010
1:45 pm
That hand analysis is backwards. The front hand/arm has the power. Mac catches lefty, and his front right hand is the lead hand in batting. That’s why a lot of players are reverse that way (in gold too). For more power.
Snotboogie
December 2nd, 2010
1:47 pm
Mozelle’s
I think the left hand is the “power” hand for Mac and that’s the one getting pounded by fastball when catching.
Murph
December 2nd, 2010
1:49 pm
Murph: It’s mind boggling why Dale Murphy isn,t a Hall Of Famer.He would’ve hit twice the home runs, if he was on the Braves during their champinship run.
I once did a projection based on Murph staying with the Braves during that same run and figured he would have hit well over 4.2x the amount of homeruns during the same period. It’s such a disservice to the man that they won’t allow projections or happy thoughts to sway HOF voting. Down right un-American if you ask me.
ward
December 2nd, 2010
1:50 pm
Getting Uggla might resurge Mac, and he might have higher batting averages, and homers.
ward
December 2nd, 2010
1:51 pm
Murph: I agree very un American…….
P-Town Brave ©
December 2nd, 2010
1:52 pm
Yeah, its top hand, which would be both BMac’s hitting (left) and catching (left) hand
Mozelle's
December 2nd, 2010
1:54 pm
I’m not prepared to say for certain. But that would be extremely surprising. Many golfers (I said gold accidentally) switch to get more power from the other side. Mickelson as an example. Think about Chipper, Berkman etc switch hitters general get more power from the opposite side than the natural (right assuming they are right handed side) because batting left handing allows the more powerful arm to lead. Also think about tennis. On a right handed players backhand the right arm still provides the power, which is what allows players to use a one handed backhand and disregard the left hand entirely.
On the other hand professional athletes are very strong so its not a terribly noticeable difference. But that’s the reason players get flipped at a young age, to develop more power.
For Mac, his glove and is the left hand, and batting left handed he uses his right hand to generate power through the swing
Snotboogie
December 2nd, 2010
1:56 pm
You mean bottom hand (further away from the knob end).
ward
December 2nd, 2010
1:57 pm
Uggla is going to make a big difference in the line up.
RC
December 2nd, 2010
1:59 pm
That hand analysis is backwards. The front hand/arm has the power. Mac catches lefty, and his front right hand is the lead hand in batting. That’s why a lot of players are reverse that way (in gold too). For more power. – Mozelle’s
Where did you hear that? I played baseball for 16 years growing up, and while I’m not a major leaguer by any means, I have never heard that. It certainly was never the case with me.
beekay
December 2nd, 2010
2:00 pm
Keep Kenshin and bring him to spring training…several pitchers get injured during the spring. His trade value is zero right now. If he goes to Dark Star and pitches well, someone will bite. Worst case scenario he sucks during spring and we send him to the minors or beg the Tokyo Giants to take him for a couple of mill.
RC
December 2nd, 2010
2:01 pm
Mozelle’s,
Baseball swing is very different from a golf swing. It’s one of the reasons I was always terrible at golf (I use too much top hand in my golf swing, causing me to push the ball and get a nasty slice).
ward
December 2nd, 2010
2:01 pm
Murph; I have two Dale Murpy rookie cards. 1977 Tops,and 1978 Tops.
Snotboogie
December 2nd, 2010
2:02 pm
Mozelle’s
You’ve got it all backwards. Top hand – guidance and control. Bottom hand – power and lift.
You are focusing on the few switch hitters – but why is it that a large percentage of players throw and hit from the same side?
The tennis analogy doesnt work because the forehand and backhand have completely different swings and the forehand is usually stronger anyway.
beekay
December 2nd, 2010
2:02 pm
bascogcjs
The reason why Matty has such a high avg is he rarely faces right handers. His pay is in line with other platoon type players. I love his hustle and also think we should pay him, but I don’t think he will get more than 3 mill from any team.
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2010
2:04 pm
I don’t get it about Diaz. A lifetime .300 hitter at the age of 31,
and the Braves won’t pay him 2.5 million?
He’s the best hustler on the team and he’s better defensively than many of you are giving him credit for. He’s better in LF than Nate the carnival act.
This is just plain crazy when you think of some of the other salaries. — bascogcjs
You answered your own question in that last line, even if you didn’t realize it. It’s those other salaries that make it likely the Braves won’t keep Diaz. Because those other salaries, including McLouth’s, are guaranteed. Or they are really cheap, for players with under three years’ service (like recently acquired Mather). So those players have to or are likely to be kept, which doesn’t leave much room on the roster, or in the payroll, for a player who has only minimal experience playing any position except corner outfield. On a team with Prado and Heyward as corner outfielders.
ward
December 2nd, 2010
2:04 pm
Who’s going to win the game between Cleveland, and Miami? Will Lebron have a big game?
RC
December 2nd, 2010
2:04 pm
Part of the reason golfers can use their front hand more in their swings is because the club and ball are both relatively light, so the resistance isn’t there to neccesitate the top hand being very strong. In baseball, the bat and ball both have a significant amount of mass/weight, as well as the momentum the ball has from that mass traveling at 90 mph. The back or “top” hand is much more important in baseball than golf.
Murph
December 2nd, 2010
2:06 pm
That’s awesome ward. I had Murph’s ‘79 rookie card but my 1st wife took it in the divorce. Paid for her lip enhancement. Which makes me angry, because that means her new husband is basically getting to enjoy my Murphy rookie card every night while I’m left with nothing.
ward
December 2nd, 2010
2:06 pm
No commit on Diaz…….
Mozelle's
December 2nd, 2010
2:07 pm
Its not a theory. Its just which arm actually generates more power through the swing. There are other reasons to switch over. More RH pitchers and easier to see breaking balls etc. But that’s part of the result, even if it isnt the reason
ward
December 2nd, 2010
2:09 pm
Murph: I got Murphy’s last two basball cards where he played too.Sorry about your luck there!
bbspell22
December 2nd, 2010
2:10 pm
jeez, Burrell just signed for a mil plus incentives
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2010
2:11 pm
Hammy the Brave: You asked the same questions about the lack of a lefty last winter, several times if I recall. You kept asking me if Braves were concerned about not having a lefty starter, and I kept saying they didn’t see it as a big issue. And it really wasn’t an issue during the season. Now they have a lefty (Minor) who’ll compete for a rotation spot, and they have two established lefty relievers in O’Flaherty and now Venters.
So I’m comfortable saying, the lefty-starter thing is again not an issue with the Braves.
Snotboogie
December 2nd, 2010
2:11 pm
RC
Do you mean top and bottom at the top of the backswing because it seems like we are saying the same thing?
Snotboogie
December 2nd, 2010
2:13 pm
jeez, Burrell just signed for a mil plus incentives
And I seem to remember Bowman saying earlier in the season that he might become too expensive for the Braves. I guess he read the market wrong or something.
RC
December 2nd, 2010
2:13 pm
Its not a theory. Its just which arm actually generates more power through the swing. There are other reasons to switch over. More RH pitchers and easier to see breaking balls etc. But that’s part of the result, even if it isnt the reason
But its NOT which arm actually generates more power through the swing. If you want to test it, pick up a baseball bat and do a right handed swing with just your right hand, then do a right handed swing with just your left hand. 99% chance you are able to swing the bat faster and harder with the top hand instead of the lead hand.
Mozelle's
December 2nd, 2010
2:14 pm
I’m not advocating an either/or situation. I’m just saying relatively its more. The front arm/bottom hand stays on the bat longer and provides force throughout the swing. which is fundamentally different from the top hand. Players don’t switch because its hard and you have to do it early for it to work.
The comparisons to others sports are not exact, but its the fundamental arc of the swing that matters, and how the arms contribute.
At any rate I agree with the original point, it’s probably very hard to swing the bat after catching in the late innings.
RC
December 2nd, 2010
2:14 pm
Snotboogie,
I think we are saying the same thing. For “top” hand, I mean the right hand during a right handed swing. The bottom hand for a right handed swing is the left hand. Also refer to it as the “lead” hand.
McFann O O
December 2nd, 2010
2:15 pm
cabravesfan Not sure if I should be mad or pleased that I’m not the only one that feels that way
You should have already known that, anyway…
Ease—
RC
December 2nd, 2010
2:15 pm
Snotboogie,
My reference of top hand was in the baseball sense…just realized that when starting a golf swing the “top” hand would actually be on bottom.
ward
December 2nd, 2010
2:17 pm
DOB: I like the idea of Minor being a reliever.
Bay Area Steve
December 2nd, 2010
2:18 pm
I don’t know nuttin’ about the golf comaprisons with my 9 handicap.
But, on a baseball bat, bottom hands provides the greater power. Bottom hand pulls. Top hand throws, or pushes. Which can you do with greater strength, push or pull?
Snotboogie
December 2nd, 2010
2:18 pm
RC,
Ok thanks for clearing it up.
Surreal discussion that I am sure BAS will chuckle about if it went on any longer.
Mozelle's
December 2nd, 2010
2:19 pm
Another interesting fact is that a cross dominant player or switch hitter may pick up the ball batter because it puts his dominant eye forward. A straight righty has his left eye forward
McFann O O
December 2nd, 2010
2:19 pm
RC That’s especially hard for a player that throws right/bats left like McCann. Since his catching hand is also his dominant hitting hand, it’s probably twice as difficult as it is for a same-handed catcher.
How true…that’s prob’ly why his top hand came off the bat a lot last year and he sent a ton of bats into the stands…
Though it was weird that last year it happened more than usual.
Snotboogie
December 2nd, 2010
2:19 pm
Damn! That was weird.
RC
December 2nd, 2010
2:19 pm
Bay Area Steve,
Swing a bat one handed with your bottom hand, then do the same with your top hand. Which one do you think would be more powerful?
(Hint: It’s not the bottom hand)
Nova Scotia Steve
December 2nd, 2010
2:19 pm
Location was key for Burrell according to Ken Rosenthal. Apparently he made the concession to play close to home by re-signing with the Giants.
Don’t cry for Pat “The Bat” he’s made close to $70 million in his career and has two world series championships rings to boot.
Think he’s doing alright for himself.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 2nd, 2010
2:20 pm
McFann –
Bay Area Steve
December 2nd, 2010
2:20 pm
‘OB,
Forget the lefty starter thing. Hammy’s point is about Diamond and Avilan being available. Guy’s got a usually reliable source saying they are. You said otherwise. Would you be able to clarify?
RC
December 2nd, 2010
2:21 pm
Another interesting fact is that a cross dominant player or switch hitter may pick up the ball batter because it puts his dominant eye forward. A straight righty has his left eye forward
Now THAT I agree with completely. Most right-handers also have a dominant right eye. I remember learning that from the eye doctor at a fairly early age when he informed me that I was left-eye dominant (and also right handed). Said it should help me in baseball.
cabravesfan
December 2nd, 2010
2:23 pm
Apparently dissing Mac is like a summoning spell for McFann
Bay Area Steve
December 2nd, 2010
2:24 pm
Shoot RC,
I’m wrong. Found a coupla sources. But, I’m swingin’ a bat in my office right now, and I don’t get it….
McFann O O
December 2nd, 2010
2:24 pm
Ease—
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 2nd, 2010
2:25 pm
Power is actually generated by the hips, which is the same in golf.
ward
December 2nd, 2010
2:26 pm
I would like to see Beachy in rotation, and Minor as a reliever.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 2nd, 2010
2:26 pm
Apparently dissing Mac is like a summoning spell for McFann
And she knows that I know this very well…
McFann O O
December 2nd, 2010
2:26 pm
cabravesfan—
Yep…see how I suddenly appeared from nowhere?
McFann O O
December 2nd, 2010
2:26 pm
Ease And she knows that I know this very well…
RC
December 2nd, 2010
2:28 pm
Bay Area Steve,
At least I managed to get you to swing a bat in your office this afternoon. Don’t know how your normal day goes, but that’s gotta be a nice break. No office doors on my cubical wall….
N8
December 2nd, 2010
2:28 pm
DOB are you a fan of the since departed Greg Giraldo? I loved him on all of the roasts and recently purchased one of his standups on iTunes. Pretty funny stuff.
Mozelle's
December 2nd, 2010
2:31 pm
It’s not about which hand is “more powerful” its which generates more power. These are fundamentally different questions. Because of the arc of any swing, the bottom hand stays on the swing path much long before the swing and during the follow through. The top hand only comes into the equations briefly during the contact phase. The force during contact could be greater or equal or less during contact. But the bottom hand contributes more to the the total power of the swing.
Think pushing really hard for 1 second or pulling fairly hard for 10 seconds
Willy Wally
December 2nd, 2010
2:31 pm
The Ruth guy doesn’t seem too bad. I’d trade for him, as long the team doesn’t have to give up Teheran or Delgado.
What good is getting Ruth if you lose the minor league side of the deal?
Bay Area Steve
December 2nd, 2010
2:33 pm
More often than I should RC, though there really isn’t room. I’ve got a ding in the cabinet and several marks on the ceiling to prove it. Isn’t my fault though; we were always taught to finish high.
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2010
2:34 pm
Don’t understand why you would rather have Minor in the bullpen. The guy proved he can pitch. Remember this guy took on the most innings I believe hes thrown in years. Hes a very good pitcher. If I remember correctly he was considered the ace on the USA team that even included Strasburg.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 2nd, 2010
2:37 pm
Bat speed generates power and you know what generates bat speed? Yes, your hips…and more specifically the rotation of your hips driving your bottom half. You can stand at the plate all day swing you hands back and forth but it means nothing when it comes to power. Top/bottom hand are there for stabilization, contact and drive…not power.
RC
December 2nd, 2010
2:37 pm
Mozelle’s,
That’s a fair point, but I still say with baseball the top hand is more important. In golf, all of the weight is at the head of the club, so once it gets started you are simply pulling it through it’s rotation and allowing it to accelerate naturally. In baseball, the greatest moment of accleration is generated in the wrist snap, which doesn’t occur in a golf swing. In the wrist snap, the bottom hand isn’t really contributing force to the swing, it’s simply there for stability. The top hand is generating all of the force and acceleration through the wrist snap.
Another way of thinking about it. In golf, the longer the swing the better, because that’s a wider arc over which to generate speed prior to contact. In baseball, players can’t afford a long swing because the pitch isn’t sitting on a tee. They have to shorten their swing considerably, meaning that it’s not a natural arc like a golf swing, but rather a straight line for the head of the bat from the starting point through contact with the ball.
ward
December 2nd, 2010
2:38 pm
Exactly my point! Have Minor in middle relief along with Ventures, and Kimbrel. We need a good arm there, who can endure long innings. Minor would do well.
RC
December 2nd, 2010
2:40 pm
Ease™ in Sandy Springs,
I agree with you that hip rotation is what generates the power for a swing. But I think we Mozelle’s and I are debating is through which hand that power is tranferred from the body to the bat (and ball).
One more illustration proving my point. In a right handed batting stance, hold a bat at the point of contact with just your right hand and have someone try to push it. Then do the same with just your left hand (in a right handed stance). You are able to give MUCH more resistance to the person pushing the bat if you are holding it in your right hand instead of your left hand.
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2010
2:40 pm
Why waste one of your best pitchers in the pen. All its going to do is shorten his stamina. We don’t want to develop Minor into a bullpen guy but a mid level starter.
David O'Brien
December 2nd, 2010
2:42 pm
THIS JUST IN: Hinske is signing with the Braves, one year plus an option. Don’t know the dollars yet, but he’s re-signing with Braves, picked them over his home-state Brewers.
Ease™ in Sandy Springs
December 2nd, 2010
2:42 pm
but ward, Minor is faster than Beachy…wouldn’t you rather have him more at the top, in case he needs to steal bases and bunt? A faster pitcher in CF is better right? Really disrupts the offensive?
Bay Area Steve
December 2nd, 2010
2:42 pm
Love the hitting discussion.
Ya know what we’d talk about for hours: how to use your legs. Guys in my day really wanted to spin on the back leg. Almost sit down on it. And, most coaches were teaching that. But, it’s nearly impossible to not top-spin everything that way (remember Phil Plantier?). I always liked that Frank Thomas style. Hitting on that stiff front leg. Often with little to no weight on the backside. Especially on balls away.
LongtimeBravesfan
December 2nd, 2010
2:42 pm
Great News !
P'cola Brave
December 2nd, 2010
2:43 pm
Hinskes back boys