Posted by: Jack Mankin (MrBatspeed@aol.com) on Sun Jan 13 13:01:35 2008

>>> With regard to the rise in batting stats, better mechanics as you said are a signicant contributor. But we have to consider that expansion of the number of teams has always produced increase production for hitters. Why? Clearly there are less talented pitchers in MLB. Also they do not pitch inside effectively which is why hitters can dive over the plate and hit the outside pitches more effectively.

Granted your top of the line pitchers we see in the playoffs can still succeed, the rest of the non elite often have trouble throwing for strikes. The result is 2-0, 3-1 counts and even fat pitches down the middle because the diluted talent cannot close out the hitter. Basically the only time you see clear dominance by the pitcher is in the allstar games. Why? Because those guys can pitch to good hitters. But unfortunately there is a trenmendous gap between a teams number 1 guy and there number 3, 4, and 5 starters.

Lastly through the evolution of weights regarding the fit athlete and the willingness to accept the strike out, there is no wonder that hitting stats are up. But more than likely the majority of those stats are up against the weaker starters and games that are out of reach. <<<

Hi THG

On another board, I read a discussion on the quality of pitching today compared to past decades. Some offered views similar yours while others had different opinions. To the argument that expanding the number of teams diluted pitching talent, some made the point that is not the case because today recruiting of pitchers has also expanded to many more countries than in times past.

Some said that the percentage of pitchers throwing in the high 90s today is much greater than in Mays or Williams time. They went on point out that in those days, pitchers were expected to pitch all 9 innings and did not have command of as wide a variety of pitches as today’s pitchers have.

There was another interesting discussion on how Mays and Williams might fair against todays pitching. --Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Jack Mankin