Is the ball "juiced"? And does it need to be fixed.

[*psychdoctor*]

(07-15-2019, 03:20 PM)fredtoast Wrote: Home run numbers are not just up.  They are WAY up.  The league is on pace for over 6,660 home runs.  That will break the single season record by over 560 home runs.

Lots of people are claiming it is just a batting technique of hitting up on the ball to increase the launch angle, but guys have been trying to hit more home runs forever.  I don't believe everyone just figured it out at one time.  I do understand that there has been a change in batting style because you can also see a huge increase in strikeouts, but I don't think it accounts for all the home runs.

22 players are on pace to hit at least 40 HR this year.  Approximately 60 players are on pace to hit 30 homers.  That is just crazy.

The ball must be either harder or have less friction.  I guess the question is "Does it need to be fixed?"  Do fans actually like this many more home runs?

I thought this issue was brought up before during the alleged steroid era.  I do not know what to think of this.  

Athletes are stronger and hitting mechanics are now a refine science with video review, they teach athletes to "launch" swing.  Hell, Voto has a pre-batting mechanic i think that helps him launch the ball.  

Also, historically speaking, baseball fields are somewhat hitter friendly in some parks.  GABP is an example, which taking into account the Red's Top 4 ERA is quite amazing.  

I have not ruled out the use of Growth Hormone in some athletes.  There are no tests that can adequately identify if an athlete is on GH because the half-life is so short.  

It could be changes in the ball.  I just do not know.  I think it is more exciting for some fans to see hits than a low scoring game.  But I do not buy into the conspiracy quite yet about the ball changes.  I will say that baseballs are handmade and there might be some variations but I just cannot accept there is a conspiracy to make the balls "juiced" to gather interest in the game.  

It is odd, nevertheless, that the balls travel farther  with greater velocity.