"Getting the foot down early"

[omg]

I've heard this concept being espoused frequently by some good hitting people, typically at the mlb level. I guess it means to take the stride a little earlier than a hitter might normally in order to time the pitcher, get balanced, and avoid the typical problems with the stride.

Please let me know your thoughts as to the merit and validity of the concept. In other words, is it a worthwhile teach, does it get results?