I agree philosophically, but this big drop off happened this year. That tells me that something is different and Manfred has not only said the ball is different, he said why it's different.
I know that someone somewhere probably has stats on how much pitches are breaking this year and we'll probably hear about it sooner or later.
What I know about the new ball is that the threads aren't as high - Manfred said so - and logic would tell me that the lower the threads are the harder time a pitcher will have gripping them. If he can't grip the threads to make the ball spin the ball won't spin as much, therefore the ball won't (or shouldn't!) break as much.
I'm telling ya, it's the new ball. The new threads keep the pitchers from being able to grip it and they make the ball travel farther. If it was just the Sox I'd agree with those who say the Sox pitching sucks but it's a problem every pitcher is having and it's worse for the finesse pitchers.
Vazquez, on days when he isn't catching. If only to keep his bat in the lineup.
Who thought anyone would be saying THAT at the beginning of the season?
I like the idea but I'm not at all certain we can get a decent reliever for him straight-up. For one thing other GM's know we NEED that reliever and they're going to be showing up at the trade wearing masks and guns, and Moreland's inability to stay on the field makes him less than desirable.
But I like the idea.