Evaluating Batting Practice

Thanks, this is a good article. Ten swings doesn't sound like much, but it will show observers all about a hitter.

And, I feel vindicated for stating in an earlier 'strength' topic that strong hands are important for hitting. Some guys didn't think so.

"A note to those looking to get stronger, which should mean everyone at this level. The most important area to increase your strength is from your finger tips to your elbows. Those are the hitting muscles. Your core is important and it’s nice to have upper body strength, but it all starts at the end of your arms."

quote:

And, I feel vindicated for stating in an earlier 'strength' topic that strong hands are important for hitting. Some guys didn't think so.

Just because someone posts here does not mean they know what they are talking about. I think it is good however to have some "arguments" because they bring up different points of views in the process. Not to nit pick but hitting strength is the forearms, look a most great hitters and they have huge forearms.

It was an interesting read as I have sat through some of these combines and wondered how someone could effectively grade a hitter on 10 swings...particularly when you have guys throwing BP that "could not hit a bull in the *** with a bass fiddle"

I know I would have a difficult time doing it effectively.

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Originally posted by BOF:
look a most great hitters and they have huge forearms.

They have big thighs also. hmmm....

Forearms, wrists, hands are the tools a hitter uses to square the barrel to the ball. Stronger, bigger and faster would certainly make a difference.

If you've watched the amount of baseball that we have, you begin to make evaluations from how a hitter sets-up, approaches the ball, follows-thru to finish, and the resulting sound. Spotting really good talent seems not so difficult. But rating 200 hitters over a few days ...... nope, don't think I'd want to, or could tackle that.

BOF,
If someone evaluates players for a living how many swings do you think it takes for them to judge a swing?

Generally speaking the BP pitchers are pretty good at the showcases but the last one we were at started with a guy throwing eephus pitches. He noticeably made an effort to throw harder when the "prospect" came up to bat. The next group of hitters got a guy who was throwing a bit harder but couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. After that it was pretty decent like normal.

My son was at a scout ball tryout where a lot of the guys got to face a pitcher who was throwing fairly hard pitches on the inside corner and most of them had problems squaring it up. My son faced someone who was good at laying it down the middle. BP pitching can make quite a difference in the results although probably not as much in the evaluation.

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Originally posted by socalhscoach:
BOF,
If someone evaluates players for a living how many swings do you think it takes for them to judge a swing?

Probably in the 10-20 range. I get your point though. I think it does make a difference with the guy throwing BP however. Remember HS kids are trying to drive the ball thinking that this more important than the swing, so if they guy stinks throwing BP then I could see a hitter trying to adjust to the BP pitcher, which could be detremental.

I saw it personally last year at the Area Code tryouts where one BP thrower was really good a groving a middle in FB and several kids were able to drive the ball out of the park. (obviously they could hit) The other pitcher struggled and some kids suffered for it. When you have 100-150 kids and you are trying to wean down the list quickly it is difficult.

SOS on the legs of course!