OPS - What is the target?

[*ochocincos*]

(04-16-2025, 10:21 AM)bengalfan74 Wrote: OH, hitting has taken two giant steps backwards from where it was. I've thought and thought on what has made it that way?

For example: 

1974 - 11 teams had a .260 or above team batting average, for the season.

1976 - 9 teams .260 or better including the Reds .280 to lead the Majors.

1980 - 16 teams .260 or better including three teams above .280

1985 - 11 teams .260 or better

2024 - 3 teams, yes only 3 teams with a team average over .260

It was pretty much normal back then to have two, three, even four guys on a team batting at or very near .300 What has changed?

I get it, it's still way early this season but there's 3 or 4 guys on this club that have to change what they're doing at the plate. How that relates to OBS I'm not sure?

I wonder if it's because of a potential jump in talent for pitchers nowadays compared to back then?

For example, average fastball in 2002 was 89 mph.
It went to 91.9 mph in 2008.
Most recent data shows 94.2 mph.
Back in 1980, it was in the high 80's.