April 26, 2007
A-Rod's Mechanics
Jeff Albert does his usual fine job of using video comparison to analyze the changes in Alex Rodriguez's swing from 2006 to 2007.
My first search for some insight into what mechanical changes were being addressed turned up a simple comment that A-Rod's mechanics were "firmer" and that new hitting coach Kevin Long had helped right the ship that is A-Rod's leg kick. According to a recent NY Times article, Long believed that a lower leg kick and faster hip rotation would help A-Rod quicken up his swing. After looking at the upcoming side-by-side that I will show, I have to extend a pat on the back to Mr. Long. Nicely done and way to earn your welcome to the Bronx!
I must admit, the change is very subtle, and I had to watch the video many times to catch it. See what you think.
Correction: Forgot the link.
Posted by David Pinto at
11:36 AM
|
Players
|
TrackBack (0)
David, could you please give us a link?
Personally, I think A-Rod's success is simply because he's wearing his socks the proper way.
I wholeheartedly agree Ken.
The change is very, very subtle, but once recognized you can really see how much it effects the swing. In the 2006 clip, it almost looks like he's hitting with his weight balanced instead of on his front foot.
Why are we so quick to buy into some "subtle change"? Haven't we learned in the last few years that if something is too good to be true, it is? Is A-rod above the syringe? I doubt it. We all want to believe that these things just happen, that they are amazing, unaparalled athletic achievements, that we are the lucky ones witnessing history but it is our own wool that is over our eyes. Question everything. At this point it's not being a buzzkill, it's being responsible.
Well, A-Rod lost weight over the winter. Most PED users get bigger.