05-03-2022, 05:45 PM
It only took me watching a few games the first week to tell the ball isn't traveling as far as in recent years. The Humididor in every stadium is having a definite impact. I did hear though that the expected BABIP is actually .250.
This would support two ideas:
1. Balls are being hit hard but not going as far
2. The defensive shifts and alignments are taking a lot of hits away*
* This isn't just infield shifts, it's also outfield positioning and sometimes using four outfielders.
It is only logical that starting pitchers throwing fewer innings with more relievers who throw 95+ also reduces hitting. Baseball is moving to bigger bases to encourage more running, and if the ball isn't traveling as far, that will force teams to stop emphasizing launch angle and more line drives which would lead to more hitting and guys on base.
The rule change I want is that you get a max of 4 foul balls and on the 5th yer out, while allowing bunting until then too. I don't like the idea of wearing out starting pitchers with foul balls nobody wants to see, and striking out on a foul bunt has always been dumb to me.
This would support two ideas:
1. Balls are being hit hard but not going as far
2. The defensive shifts and alignments are taking a lot of hits away*
* This isn't just infield shifts, it's also outfield positioning and sometimes using four outfielders.
It is only logical that starting pitchers throwing fewer innings with more relievers who throw 95+ also reduces hitting. Baseball is moving to bigger bases to encourage more running, and if the ball isn't traveling as far, that will force teams to stop emphasizing launch angle and more line drives which would lead to more hitting and guys on base.
The rule change I want is that you get a max of 4 foul balls and on the 5th yer out, while allowing bunting until then too. I don't like the idea of wearing out starting pitchers with foul balls nobody wants to see, and striking out on a foul bunt has always been dumb to me.