July 16, 2017

More on the Ball

It’s nice to see an article about home runs quote a pitcher who doesn’t think the ball has changed:

“To be honest, I haven’t noticed anything (with the ball),” Padres starting pitcher Clayton Richard said. “I think the game constantly advances and it’s ever adapting, and pitching becomes more difficult, as I’m sure hitting does. It’s a game of adjustments. To me, it doesn’t seem like it’s changed much.”

Humans have a tendency to put blame elsewhere. Even the home run explosion of the 1990s wasn’t all steriods. New park construction, investments in batters rather than pitchers, maybe even a livelier ball all worked to bring up home run totals. I really believe one big factor is that players figured out how to get stronger without help, or that teams are simply signing bigger, stronger hitters in general. These trends are seldom one thing.

1 thought on “More on the Ball

  1. Pft

    Sudden and significant changes to offense are almost always due to the ball and/or strike zone. Even improved strength due to steroids or mystery X dont happen all of a sudden but creep up like pitcher velocity over time and K rate. Testing by MGL and Lindbergh has documented the ball changes and a number of pitchers and even a minor league hitter have pointed out changes. Many hitters dont chose to come out since it minimizes their accomplishments and pitchers dont want to be seen as making excuses. This Clayton dude pitches in one of the most pitcher friendly home parks and on the road pitches in Colorado and Arizona where everyday seems like juiced ball day it may not be as obvious to him or he does not want to get on the wrong side of his hitter teamates. Some also fear MLB’s wrath as they obviously dont want the ball theory to be confirmed. Much like steroids was covered up by players and the league with the help of writers who scorned such an idea until it could no longer be denied thanks to Balco

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