Plympton91 said:
Does anyone else think that the time might come where they will have to limit shifts in order to keep the game interesting in the same way that golf limits the equipment people can use or basketball limits zone defenses?
I would favor a rule that says something like the third baseman cannot be to the right side of midpoint between 2nd and 3rd base, and the shortstop (second baseman) must remain to the left (right) of second base until after the pitch is thrown, and no infielder can be more than one step behind the infield dirt. Some of this shifting borders on "taking the enjoyment out of the game" as far as I'm concerned. And, if it is behind the drop in offense, it is probably only a matter of time before something is done to restore that balance.
Of course the counter argument is that you can't shift on hitters that use the whole field, and those are typically the most skilled hitters, so why not reward them in some way. Still, I don't think it's right when David Ortiz hits a line drive 40 feet into the outfield and then the second baseman throws him out at first base.
BABIP is still well above normal levels in the modern era (post 1930's), just a tick below the peak steroid years. Also, shifting took place in Ted Williams and Yaz days, the main difference is it is being used for non-elite hitters as well.
As abs said, good hitters like Papi can hit against the shift, and last year Cano hit a bunt double against the shift.
I think the big factor in the reduction in offense is lower HR numbers and higher K rates, which may not be completely independent of one another.
The other thing about the shift is it relies on a pitcher hitting his spots. It may make sense to shift on Hitter X with an inside fast ball, but of that pitcher misses location and throws it outside the shift may be less effective.
What the super computer may also do, with good enough data, is allow hitters to guess right more often on what pitch to expect in a given situation and count, and with a given defensive positioning. The computer can spit out expected pitch and location based on a pitchers and teams tendencies, and the coaches can rely the signs to the batters inclined to use this. This could actually boost offense. To a certain extent scouting reports allow this to be done already, but adjustments for situation, count and positioning may make it more effective.