Different Winter X-games commercials are starting to pop up on ESPN again and it reminded me of the video documentaries that were done last year to showcase snowboarder Shaun White’s practice and training efforts.  It was a big deal in the snowboarding world because White was attempting different jumps that had never been done before.  So his sponsors spent millions to create the perfect practice environment for him.

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Over at the swing away instructional blog, a parent writes in with the question: Is it possible to have too much bat speed?

My short answer is no.  Is it possible to run too fast or throw too hard?  I don’t think so – it’s not possible to have too much physical ability, or “tools” in the baseball world.  But bat speed, foot speed and throwing velocity are measures of just that – physical ability.   More raw bat speed doesn’t correlate perfectly with a higher batting average or increased slugging percentage, but it sure gives you more ability to do those things.  It’s like adding horsepower to a race car – the car can go faster, but you still need to be a good driver! It’s important to take those raw tools and convert them into on-field performance.

Is this car too fast?

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At the Coast to Coast camp last week, I was able to meet Coach Bill Gentry.

Coach Bill Gentry and myself

Coach Gentry has a long list of baseball coaching experience, but some of the highlights are being a High School Coach of the Year in Southern California, being the head coach at the University of California Bakersfield, directing the So Cal Cardinals scout team in the MLB scout league, and covering the Southern California area as a scout for the St. Louis Cardinals.

If you are looking for instruction in the Southern California area, check out Coach Gentry’s Pro Player Academy in Bakersfield, CA.  In addition to his baseball knowledge, you’ll be impressed by his character, professionalism and how much he cares about the success of his players.

The field staff for the 2011 Palm Beach Cardinals has officially been announced:

Aguayo, Albert Joined By Returning Martinez

I’ll be returning to Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, FL for my 3rd straight year, joined by former Major Leaguers Luis Aguayo (manager) and Dennis “El Presidente” Martinez (pitching coach).

Dennis Martinez, Luis Aguayo, Jeff Albert

“The Dean” hosts both the Florida Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals during spring training, and then both of those teams’ Florida State League affiliates – the Jupiter Hammerheads and the Palm Beach Cardinals.  That means there is a professional baseball game here almost every single day from April through the beginning of September.  Let me know if you’re stopping by for a game!

Interesting article on what it takes to be a hitting coach in the big leagues:

Hours are spent together inside batting cages hidden underneath the stands, sitting around video screens analyzing the intricacies of a swing and standing around batting cages, where a simple reminder to keep the bat head in the zone longer could be the key to breaking out of a slump.