[alex_chung]

For me it sounds like Yoda says: "He cranks" (about the hitter). So here it must be a verb.

verb (used with object)
9.
to bend into or make in the shape of a crank.
10.
to furnish with a crank.
11.
Machinery . to rotate (a shaft) by means of a crank.
12.
to start (an internal-combustion engine) by turning the crankshaft manually or by means of a small motor.
13.
to start the engine of (a motor vehicle) by turning the crankshaft manually.
–verb (used without object)
14.
to turn a crank, as in starting an automobile engine.
15.
Obsolete . to turn and twist; zigzag.