We have entered a new dead ball era. Manfred desperately trying to ruin the sport
Are we? If we are, I wouldn't blame Manfred.
The ever-increasing focus on home run swings at the expense of contact has to be a factor.
Then the counter to that of starters being asked to throw as hard as possible for 4-6 innings max, then relievers coming in for a single inning and doing the same is another.
If anything, Manfred tried to help by banning the shift. That was supposed to allow more guys to turn outs into base hits. Instead, guys are trying even harder to launch one 400 feet.
