Ok,
the question was:
Does playing straight pool improve my 9-Ball game ? My answer was yes....
First of all I think 9-Ball is a very complex game. It combines all kinds of elements, like the break, agressive run-outs, multiple choice shots, safeties, banks, kicks, jumps, position play in a short range, wide range, difficult shots, cut shots and so on.....
When straight pool played right you mostly have to play very short precise postions, like little stun-shots, soft follows and draws, tricky cuts in the side, controlled cluster break ups etc. So, it will improve the position play in a small range. Plus after years and years of practice you will be able to recognize situations and solutions faster.
In 9-Ball you are forced to move the cueball from one end of the table to the other, you are forced to play all kinds of shots.
Every seperately practised part of the game (drill or exercise) will help to improve your overall game.
So guys, take a few minutes (hours) a day besides playing the game and do drills ! It's worth it !
...and play straight pool too
Thorsten