OPS - What is the target?

[*TheLeonardLeap*]

(04-16-2025, 12:33 PM)ochocincos Wrote: 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.

It's not a jump in talent, Ocho. 

It's coaching/gurus/camps/clinics teaching people to ignore their bodies to burn brighter but shorter. They have lasers now that they'll set up on your body and tell you exactly how to go about getting an extra mph or something by changing your delivery... but everyone throws differently for a reason, everyone's body is different. You used to see SO many different looking deliveries and now almost everyone is getting funneled towards the same motion optimized for velocity and spin, while ignoring that it is not your natural motion that is the best one for your body. Then you get all the TJs. That is then combined with an increase in both bullpen usage AND bullpen size, and you can afford to bring in a bunch of revolving guys who throw high 90s FBs for 40-60 innings a year and blow out their elbows to get replaced by other guys who throw high 90s FBs for 40-60 innings per year.

In 1980 there was 1 pitcher who threw at least 300ip, 16 pitchers who threw at least 250ip, and 56 pitchers who threw at least 200ip.
In 2002 those numbers were 0, 2, and 42.
In 2008 those numbers were 0, 1, and 34.
In 2024 those numbers were 0, 0 , and 4.

In 1980 there were 17 pitchers who threw at least 100ip in relief and 47 pitchers who threw at least 81ip
In 2024 those numbers were 0 and 3.

It's all technology and a complete and utter disregard for durability and sustainability.