Jim,
If a player bats the ball toward one of his teammates then isn't he batting it AWAY from opponents (other players)?
Also, a player can certainly bat a ball toward an empty area on the floor to keep it away from opponents (other players) and then go get it. Would you judge that to be a case of player control?
However, here is something that helps your case:
RULE 4, SECTION 31 PASS
A pass is movement of the ball caused by a player who throws,
bats or rolls the ball to another player.
A pass is something done by a player in control right?
