Rockies Sam Hilliard with an efficient tight turn at 1B on this 3B down the RF line. The shorter loop cuts the distance down to 2B. IMO the key is to hit the front edge of 1B closest to the inside corner. When you hit the front edge, you are directed towards 2B vs. RCF. It also

helps you cut the turn tighter by driving the right arm across your body & towards 2B. This helps you stay more on line to second base while creating a tighter turn.

As much as we may not like the rule (Base runner sets his own base line & is only out when he deviates more than 3’ from his line when avoiding a tag), this is a good contact route. The runner goes way inside & on the grass to take the third baseman’s throwing lane away.

Rockies Drew Romo pitch out footwork off LKD stance.

TRAINING SPECIFICITY IMO the key to having the best chance to be successful as a hitter is how you prepare. No doubt it’s very individualized, but it’s imperative that the preparation leads to producing the best version of yourself as possible. For me, the biggest disconnection

is that in most cases the training environment/demands are not specific enough to the demands of the game. Not enough of the training is at game speed or game complexity.(% will vary with the individual needs of each player) The priority is the development of pitch recognition

skills & timing. Our prep is too much of the “block” mode where most pitches are the same speed in the same spot at a comfortable velocity. The game is fast & chaotic. We need more random higher speed preparation. With the acceptance of hitting off pitching machines in today’s

game, it mind boggling that,at all levels, we don’t use programmable pitching machines. I know that it is a $ issue,but that would be my #1 priority. Most big league teams are now purchasing/leasing the Trajekt Arc Pitching Machine which is a projection system that delivers

options out there. In many cases our default to practice at game speed & complexity it to have our hitters stand in for bullpens. This is good to see how balls move when released at different speeds & trajectories,but it is very different when the swing no swing piece becomes a

part of the process. That piece really muddies the waters. Hitters often see the ball well when you remove the decision making process. How often have you asked hitters to take & they are upset because they saw the pitch so well. Bottom line from this rant is to examine your

20% strike pitch. Short quick diagonal move by Hartford Yard Goats catcher Braxton Fulford.

Still moving high % strike pitch some. (85%)

On this long HR to CF (440+) the Rockies Michael Toglia puts the breaks on this swing by holding his palm up & down two handed finish. Not a bad pregame BP round to focus on holding that palm up & down finish.

Rockies Ezekiel Tovar adjusting after being out in front to get his barrel to a low out breaking ball by letting go with his top hand on this long HR down the LF line. It’s not a game of perfect.

We gave our catchers the option to arm fake in a 1st & 3rd situation with the ball in their hand or with the ball in their glove. Here Wilin Rosario executes a full arm fake with the ball in his glove.