Choking-up on the bat.....
Does anyone choke-up on the bat anymore? Doesn't it make sense for certain players with foot-speed to choke-up on the bat, and just try to make contact?
Cubbie players that I believe could benefit from this concept are: Theriot, Pie, E. Pat, and Fuld. In my opinion, these guys could make a bunt attempt once or twice a game as well.
Honesty compels me to say, that I'm typing this with one finger on each hand, and I'm obviously old-school,.... and old.....and I love pitching and defense.
But I'm just wondering, what's wrong with choking-up on the bat?
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
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31 comments
Comments
I ain't cool...
by MPH73 on Mar 9, 2008 7:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I know you're right,
by deadcatbounce on Mar 9, 2008 9:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its funny
Hmm......
by Hammer on Mar 9, 2008 7:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hey I love the old school ball too...
Like MPH said they would rather go down swinging and taking a homerun cut then choke up.
by dus22 on Mar 9, 2008 8:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Remember that bats are smaller now.
by DeRoMyHero on Mar 9, 2008 8:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Good point.....
by deadcatbounce on Mar 9, 2008 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The bats are lighter...
Its also one of the main reasons you see so many broken bats, compared to years ago.
by MPH73 on Mar 9, 2008 10:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure about a mental edge
by TC Cubby on Mar 10, 2008 6:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know how much ball you played...
When I played in college, It was before the aluminum bats really got good (25 years ago). I used a 35 inch, 32 ounce Easton model which is probably heavier than most of the wood bats today. I always choked up a bit with 2 strikes, and it definately gave me a feeling of greater control and the ability to wait a tad longer on the pitch.
by MPH73 on Mar 10, 2008 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
32oz eh?
I couldn't believe the difference in getting around on pitches between the 32 and 29oz.
by blackhawk24 on Mar 11, 2008 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In hindsight...
When you are young, it's a macho thing, but it's bat speed that really makes the ball jump, not the size of the bat.
by MPH73 on Mar 11, 2008 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It helps me mentally.
by GreatIn2008 on Mar 9, 2008 9:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I know

by gary varsho on Mar 9, 2008 9:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yikes!!!!
by deadcatbounce on Mar 10, 2008 12:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eckstein
by helen on Mar 10, 2008 1:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
my favorite choke-upper was...
I think Freddie Patek was another big-time choke-upper.
by ballhawk on Mar 10, 2008 10:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
How about Ron Hunt...
by MPH73 on Mar 10, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He did.
Jason Kendall, FWIW, is 7th on the list.
by Al on Mar 10, 2008 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Most of these guys...
Pitchers will go right after him and try him to back off, and I think he will handle it quite well.
by MPH73 on Mar 10, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In Japan...
by Al on Mar 10, 2008 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Being new to the league...
How he handles the inside stuff could very well define his season. If he shows he can turn on the ones that catch the plate, he will really set himself up nicely.
by MPH73 on Mar 10, 2008 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That Ron Hunt
by deadcatbounce on Mar 10, 2008 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
On the other hand...
by MN exile on Mar 10, 2008 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just like Sosa...

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 10, 2008 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
All depends on a hitter's strength...
As a general rule, power hitters stand away from the plate some, so they can assure they get their arms extended when they swing. There are exceptions to this (Bonds for one), but he used a very short bat and choked up on it as well.
For the most part, your high average guys stand a little closer to the plate to get better plate coverage, and reduce any big holes in their swing. They may not get extended as often, but they tend to manipulate the bat with their hands more (high average guys are usually good inside out swingers), to hit the ball hard somewhere.
Its really a fun thing to watch with hitters and how they try to adjust during the season when pitchers pound them a certain way.
by MPH73 on Mar 10, 2008 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How 'bout Felix Milian?
by blackhawk24 on Mar 11, 2008 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
one philosophy
by bg4300 on Mar 10, 2008 11:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
How about
by cubs0505 on Mar 11, 2008 1:16 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
and Moises
by Hammer on Mar 11, 2008 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Inserted...
by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 11, 2008 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just love
by deadcatbounce on Mar 11, 2008 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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