Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

'Roid Rage May Be Misplaced

J.C. Bradbury says it's expansion, not drugs, that's damaged baseball

By Greg Atwan,  Newser User

Posted Apr 2, 2007 7:33 AM CDT
Email

(Newser) – As opening day dawns, expect another season of home-run antics in lieu of your dad's short-ball game. But J.C. Bradbury argues in the New York Times that it's talent dilution, not steroids, that's changed the game: When the league expanded in the 90s, so did the number of hittable pitchers. "It allowed elite players, especially hitters, to excel."

Last year's crackdown on steroids did little to reverse the recent trend, Bradbury, of Sabernomics fame, points out.  He also points to the number of hit batters, which has shot up "a whopping 70 percent" during the expansion era. "It could be 'roid rage,'" he admits, "but it's more likely inferior pitchers, missing the strike zone way inside."

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v San Francisco Giants
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim v San Francisco Giants   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

 
sports • health • steroids • MLB • roid rage • baseball

More Newser Stories

Major Leaguer Hits Ump in Face

Angels Land Albert Pujols for $250M

Rangers Tame Tigers 3-2 in ALCS Opener

Red Sox Miss Playoffs After 'Worst Collapse Ever'

Jim Thome Hits 600th Homer... Without Steroids
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne