I wonder if that is a new trend. guys like altuve, bregman, benintendi have hit for decent power and done very well in MLB. what do you think is causing that? are shorter guys now instructed to hit balls in the air more rather than slap and run?
will that trend affect scouting in a way that smaller Players with average raw power but good contact skills and a bat path conductive to produce a lot of those 15-30 degree Launch angles get more of a look?
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My guess is that it's a combination of genetics and weight training as all three of the guys you named are powerfully built.
Benintendi can't have more than 5% body fat. The kid is also is the definition of fast-twitch athlete. He has very explosive movements.
I agree, most of those guys have plus Speed and athleticism. that shouldn't give a false hope to smallish guys who are average athletes that they can become elite power hitters if they just have a great swing and workout enough.
Dont forget Mookie Betts. He hit with power also. Listed only at 5'9" and 180lb.
Betts and Pedroia both use Axe handle bats..hmmm
Goblue33 posted:Betts and Pedroia both use Axe handle bats..hmmm
cause they didn't hit for power before they used one?
nxt lvl posted:Dont forget Mookie Betts. He hit with power also. Listed only at 5'9" and 180lb.
Mookie is another fast-twitch guy. He has some of the quickest hands in the game.
Willie Mays was 5'10" 170 pounds. 660 career Home Runs
Mickey Mantle wasn't a "small guy" (5'11" 195) but he wasn't built like Jim Thome, either
Mel Ott was 5'9" 170 pounds and hit over 500 HR's (of course he had a short porch helping him, but still...)
I have seen the axe handle bats...they look really cool. I have never swung with one nor has my son. HAs anyone any experience using those bats?? Tell us the plusses or minuses. They look so different...the axe handle looks really aggressive and if it makes my son feel more aggressive then maybe it is worth investing in a couple for the showcase season upcoming this summer....
Son has used AXE bats....here are some of his learnings:
1. Definitely helps with palm up / palm down orientation.
2. Shape of handle helps keep the handle in your fingers as opposed to your palms.
3. As a result of items 1 & 2, hands seem to be faster.
4. Great for a swing that focuses on creating backspin upon contact.
5. For swings where upper body tilt is used to create launch angles, the AXE handle shape / grip helps remind you to tilt your upper body.
6. Pop is comparable to other top name brands, however, he believed he could get 5-10 extra feet from his AXE
Worth at least investigating by me and my son....Test it in the cage and see how he feels about it before winter camps at colleges and spring season.
I doubt the axe bat has anything to do with that
