“Honestly I never really think about my hands...I use more of my entire body.”. " Because EVERY human movement is driven by the spinal engine…pelvis-spine-shoulders. Position: Third Baseman Bats: Right • Throws: Right 6-1, 210lb (185cm, 95kg) . In the video, we'll discuss: Donaldson v. Bautista metrics, What “staying closed” means to spine engine mechanics, and; Where Josh Donaldson might be leaking force at impact. Ad Choices When he’s swinging for the fences on the diamond, Donaldson’s bat speed reaches in the 92 miles per hour range compared to an MLB average of 77 mph on a similar home-run swing… . Courtesy of MLB Network / MLB Central watch as Toronto Blue Jays slugger Josh Donaldson breaks down his lethal swing. This is one of the furthest balls ever hit. Team: Minnesota Twins (majors, 10-day IL) Born: December 8, 1985 in Pensacola, FL us Draft: Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 1st round (48th) of the 2007 MLB June Amateur Draft from Auburn University (Auburn, AL).. High School: Faith Academy (Mobile, AL) This swing path allows a smooth and efficient use of momentum. Donaldson calls this entire technique “effortless bat speed” and likens it to a rubber band because he’s able to generate maximum bat speed and, therefore, lots of batting power, without using up a lot of energy. He previously played for the Oakland Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, Cleveland Indians, and Atlanta Braves. Earlier this year, I was having lunch with a member of the MLB Network team. Look, Manny’s having a great year, Altuve’s having a great year. I slowed this clip down so you can see the blur of the bat and where that blur is happening. Please contact us. Ted Williams wrote about matching plane back in 1971. Having signed a two-year, $28.6-million contract and ranking seventh and 18th, respectively, in AL home runs and doubles, it’s safe to say Donaldson’s upholding his keep. The triangle turn is what made the difference in his swing. . Epic Innings - Monday at 9pm ET. Josh Donaldson's swing illustrating the spinal engine and Springy ‘X' Pattern discussed in the next section. Josh Donaldson’s swing is a deadly, well-honed weapon Courtesy of MLB Network / MLB Central watch as Toronto Blue Jays slugger Josh Donaldson breaks down his lethal swing. As previously stated, Donaldson’s actually enjoying a better year than he did in 2015 when he won MVP. By checking this box, I agree to the terms of service and privacy policy of Rogers Media. December 11. This tipping action is a load of the hands to twist the barrel. Because he’s using his shoulders to swing, he’s sort of forced to just pick a spot and go for it without being able to make too many mid-swing adjustments. The reason he’s so deliberate with the leg kick is to use it as a mechanism to load his hip with his weight like a coil before he transfers all that energy into his back knee and all the way through the swing. “If you’re 10 years old and your coach says get on top of the ball tell him no,” Donaldson said seemingly just half-joking. Print; American League All-Star Josh Donaldson … Josh Donaldson’s tie-breaking homer had a profound impact on the Twins' game at one point, but the ejection that arrived soon after may have come with a bigger price. For example, from a layman’s perspective, the most distinctive part of Donaldson’s swing is the high, gradual leg kick. Like all great hitters, Josh Donaldson is a student of the game and owns his swing. By Susan Slusser on July 14, 2014 at 6:02 PM. Fact of the matter is there’s time.”. The back elbow drops, the barrel drops to level with the shoulders, but the bend in the arms doesn't change. This week was no different, as Josh Donaldson stopped by Studio 21 and talked to the MLB Central crew about a wide range of topics.. Josh Donaldson started off with Mark DeRosa, and the Bringer of Rain broke down the entire process of his swing; included … Share This article with everyone you know, Ted Williams Swing | The Science of Hitting. Photo courtesy: PicPlayHost. This one concept can change the trajectory of a hitters career. Because he is able to create more bat speed, he is able to wait longer before the initiation of his swing. Josh Donaldson threw the tantrum of the MLB season on Thursday . Customize your lineup with your favourite leagues and teams. Terms of Service. Despite this, he’s not the frontrunner with names like the Houston Astros’ Jose Altuve and Baltimore Orioles’ Manny Machado being talked about more. There is no evidence that proves that a downward swing angle is quicker or more efficient. 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