Back in the days before we had DVR's where all you had to do was press a button to start recording something on television, I stumbled across a segment of video, probably during a rain delay of a baseball game, where Tony Gwynn was interviewing and discussing hitting with Ted Williams (the unfrozen version). It was fascinating to hear their discussion and the philosophies each had on the swing and how to approach an at-bat. In terms of the level of expertise, it was probably the equivalent of listening to Will Hunting and Albert Einstein talk math. Except a lot more fun.
Another person I would think it would be interesting to talk with -- listen, actually -- about hitting would be Charlie Manuel. Hitting is his passion and from certain accounts we've heard and read, the sudden improvement Ryan Howard experienced in the minor leagues a few years back was due in large part to then-instructor-at-large Charlie Manuel. Charlie, if you are reading this, I'm offering a standing invitation, I'll bring the whiskey.
If we were to get together in the near future, one of the first things I would ask Charlie is why he can't get Aaron Rowand going a bit better at the plate. Ever since I first laid eyes upon him in the box about a year ago, I've thought he's looked stiff and awkward at the plate, almost frozen, not out of anxiety, but out of tension from pent up energy. But then, because he is so stiff, when the pitch comes in, it seems impossible to make a fluid swing. I've often thought that Rowand looked as if you could knock him over on his back at the plate with just a soft tap to his chest.
Not being and expert on hitting, I always assumed there were intricacies at work that I didn't understand. And besides, who cares how a form looks, what counts is that the results are there, just ask Jim Furyk. But that's the thing, the results aren't there the way they could be. After an OPS+ of 126 in 2004, Rowand has dipped to 93 and 87 in the last two years. This spring training, his batting average is doing its best Abraham Nunez impression, hovering well-below .200. Plus, it appears as if we are not the only ones who have noticed Rowand's unorthodox approach at the plate. Here's one scout's take on Rowand, via Ken Rosenthal:
"His bat is slow... His impact and power don't seem to be there. He has always had an awkward setup and stance. Now he looks really awkward and muscular. He has no barrel whip... On the flip side, Ryan Howard looks like he can hit 75 homers."
Again, I'm by no means an expert, but that is exactly what I see in Rowand as well. So Charlie, why don't you do something to loosen him up? Maybe have him waggle the bat a bit while waiting for the pitch? Maybe have him tap his foot similar to Chipper Jones?
Anyway, you keep the bottle Charlie, with that bullpen, you are going to need it.
