re: Should MLB lower the mound again?

I think the strikeout totals are more of function of the htitters swinging for the fences more, so I don't think lowering the mound would do much. Right now, and it is early, hitters average 8.95 K per game, which is insanely high. But they also draw 3.57 walks per game (would be a record) while hitting 1.11 HR per game (just off the record pace).

The real problem is that hitters are batting .235 (and OPS of 706). For context, in the Year of the Pitcher, 1968, batters went 237/299/340 averging 5.89 K and 2.82 walks. And nearly half the level of home runs.

The problem is a simple war on math. The average game has nearly always had about 34 at bats. If you strikeout 9 times and hit one home run per game, that's 24 balls in play. At a league average 300 average BABIP, you'll get another 7 hits. 8 hit over 34 at bats is a .235 average. Right where they should be based on their K and HR numbers.

One day, a small market team with no budget is going to load up on speedy slap hitters.