@Consultant posted:Dadbelly;
This is NOT new.
When our Area Code "All Stars" played the Japan National HS team in Osaka, Japan 1983-2004. The Japan HS hitters used the Japan metal bats shaped the same as the Yankees bats.
We moved our infielders back 10 steps. When Matsui hit it was "throw & duck".
BP on he field was a twin cages and two BP pitchers at the same time. [danger zone].
Bob
Stuff like this is what makes you so valuable. Things you've seen, done, and remember from your career! It's interesting because it seems you clearly thought there was an advantage but it took at least 20 years to show up here. Unemcumbered by evidence , I suspect the sweet spot is smaller but hotter. And maybe the bat actually performs better on end cap shots. Meaning instead of hitting a weak ball down the line, you foul it off. Thanks Bob!