Spencer Strider

[50PoundHead]

in addition, hitters are very good at working the count and fouling off tough pitches now. Technology has helped both hitters and pitchers.

pitchers with spin rates, tunneling, pitch sequencing, etc.

hitters with analytics on which counts to jump on, working counts. Pitches per plate appearance. Walks are not only more accepted than they were 25 years ago they’re embraced thanks to the OBP movement.

Hitters have gotten much stronger and that has affected pitchers' approach. I don't know if it's still on the highlight page, but O'Neill Cruz hit one out to the opposite field over the weekend and when he left the batters' box, he thought it was an easy play for the LF. He looked as shocked as anyone when it went out. Pitchers used to be able to work outer half on power hitters in hopes that the batter would still try to pull the ball. That doesn't work anymore as strong guys with decent launch angles can deposit those pitches to the opposite field.

Velocity and spin rate are the surest way to get swing-and-miss.