I also wanted to ask the smrt people here. What's the reason for the change. I believe shifts are part of it, but the primary cause is the improvements in pitching isn't it?
My friends all seem to blame hitters for not having a 2 strike approach, or for not adjusting to hit the ball the other way (or bunt of course) - but when everyone is throwing 95+....the batters simply don't have that luxury. Hitters have to eliminate certain pitches and locations right? They'll say I'm looking for the ball away and if a pitcher throws it 95+ on the inside corner, they tip their hat. The pitchers simply have too much of an advantage now.
Amirite?