MLB scoring is down, and something has to be done about it. We saw 13 shutouts in the first 37 games, an all-time record! There were two no hitters flirted with on the first set series’ of the year. Yes, a good old fashioned pitchers’ duel is grand, but only when it is the exception, not the standard. This great game is great, because of the doubles in the gaps and bases-loaded drama, as much as a caught-looking and twin killing.
The last time we had such a dire need for offensive infusion, was 1968. Before the 1969 season, a number of changes would take place. The first and biggest change, was the lowering of the pitcher’s mound. The mound went from 15 inches all the way down to 10 inches. They also changed the strike zone, making a strike from the armpits to the top of the kneecap.
It may be time to change the rules once again. Too many bullpen specialist come out of the pen throwing in the mid to high 90s. Unlike in years past, most batters are only facing a starter about two times, sometimes three. Almost every single at-bat you are facing a brand-new pitcher. It is hard to get any kind of rhythm or read on the pitcher.
As this continues, we may see them get rid of the pitching mound altogether. Before that is the case, I would like to see them at least experiment with a 7 inch mound. The lowering of 3 inches, would give the batters a better look at the ball.
I would hate to see MLB shrink the strike zone, but that may be what is coming as well. If lowering the mound does not put a charge and discourse, then shortening the strike zone surely would. The problem that I would have with that, is you would see hitters go even more towards the take a pitch philosophy. This is the philosophy that has gotten us into this mess in the first place.
In the late 90s the New York Yankees started this philosophy. After winning four out of five world championships, everybody copied them. Being so passive in the beginning of the pitch count, digs you deep into a pitcher’s count. At that point, you were at the pitcher’s mercy. Once in a two strike hole, percentages of getting a base hit go way down.
If you are playing in this year’s baseball, be aggressive early in the count and you can ambush the pitcher’s of today. They have spent the last several years throwing strike one down the middle, as batters are taking in hopes of driving up the count. If you drive up the count, you can get the starter out and get to the bullpen. With all of these young gunslingers throwing the ball into the mid to high 90s in the bullpen, that’s not really a recipe for success. And you can run a starter out just as quick, if you’re scoring in bunches while jumping on them early in the count.
The mound and strike zone can’t be changed until next year. So, we’re going to be stuck with low scoring, boring affairs, unless something is done on the field. Baseball is the ultimate game of strategy, hopefully MLB batters change theirs, to make pitcher’s adjust too.
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