A: Believe it or not, is something that is not discussed as much as it was 5 years or even 3 years ago for that matter. In fact, I am getting away from using the word and striving to improve hitters in other areas that I feel are more relevant to their in-game success. For example, if Hitter A has a batspeed of 78 mph, and Hitter B 's batspeed is 70 mph, it doesn't mean that Hitter A will be on time with his "faster" bat. Hitter B could have faster visual speed and be better at the Timing of the swing reaction. Now of course I'm not saying you can have have a SLOW BAT and be great. I am speaking of athletes higher up on the food chain. So I have found over the years, that improving reaction time, and recognition skills is more relevant to the timing than the actual batpseed of a hitter.
Also, if you believe that batspeed is a matter of talent, we know we cannot teach talent but we can certainly develop talent. Therefore, Batspeed plus great eye-hand coordination are key ingredients in developing those special hitters.
-Rob Crews
twitter.com/completegame
