By all standards, the past two seasons have been impressive ones for pitching. But don't expect that to change anytime soon. By Austin Mirmina
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| (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File) |
The major league batting average also took a hit as a result of improved pitching, according to STATS LLC. In 2011, players batted .255, the lowest since 1989. Conversely, MLB pitchers compiled a 3.94 ERA, the lowest since that 1992 season when runs were at a minimum.
"The pendulum is switching," New York Mets manager Terry Collins told ESPN. "Pitchers are throwing harder. Guys are throwing 94 to 98 (mph). Bullpen. Rotation. Years ago, 92 was a hard fastball. Now it's an average fastball. Guys might even say it's a tick below."
As hitting becomes increasingly more difficult for players, should fans be worried that a ‘dead ball era’ is eminent in the future of professional baseball? Not quite, although lack of home runs and scoring will deflate the energy and excitement that characterizes so many beloved ballparks.
But who say’s pitchers can’t create a little excitement of their own? Justin Verlander tossed his second career no-no, Clayton Kershaw was one of three pitchers with 20+ wins, and Tampa Bay’s James Shields threw 11 complete games – all very impressive accomplishments.
If teams continue to foster pitching talent, then it would not be unreasonable to expect a similar trend of limited run support for years to come. Until batters find some way to gain an advantage, pitchers will always have the upper hand.
"The pendulum is switching," New York Mets manager Terry Collins told ESPN. "Pitchers are throwing harder. Guys are throwing 94 to 98 (mph). Bullpen. Rotation. Years ago, 92 was a hard fastball. Now it's an average fastball. Guys might even say it's a tick below."
As hitting becomes increasingly more difficult for players, should fans be worried that a ‘dead ball era’ is eminent in the future of professional baseball? Not quite, although lack of home runs and scoring will deflate the energy and excitement that characterizes so many beloved ballparks.
But who say’s pitchers can’t create a little excitement of their own? Justin Verlander tossed his second career no-no, Clayton Kershaw was one of three pitchers with 20+ wins, and Tampa Bay’s James Shields threw 11 complete games – all very impressive accomplishments.
If teams continue to foster pitching talent, then it would not be unreasonable to expect a similar trend of limited run support for years to come. Until batters find some way to gain an advantage, pitchers will always have the upper hand.
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