- Do you believe that the balls used by the MLB have been intentionally altered to enhance the quality of games? Why?
- Would juiced baseballs lead to better ratings for the MLB, or would they polarize traditionalists and new age viewers?
- Would new MLB records have less meaning because of the drastic effect of the supposed juiced baseball?
- Would you be more inclined to watch a game with an altered baseball, or would you rather watch the game with a ball that follows the current guidelines?
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Are Baseballs Juiced in the MLB?-Evan V & Drew R
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I am skeptical over the amount of home runs hit and the possibility of the balls being juiced. But I don't believe that the MLB would do this as it could get them in a lot of trouble and would be highly unprofessional.
ReplyDeleteI do believe it would popularize baseballs tv ratings as it would make the games a lot more exciting to watch with more hits and home runs. I don't think it would polarize the game at all because no rules or core parts of the game are changed. Also baseball ratings have been on the decline so a change like this could be beneficial.
No, hitting a 100 mph ball will still be just as hard and teams will all be on the same level. So it will be a very similar level of competitiveness.
Yes, normally I never watch baseball as I find it a little boring, but these juiced balls would definitely draw my attention and make me watch the game more. So yes I would prefer to watch a game with an altered baseball then a game with the current guidelines.
Do you believe that the balls used by the MLB have been intentionally altered to enhance the quality of games? Why?
ReplyDeleteIt is totally possible this is the current case. If so many pitchers and professional staff members have spoken out about it then it seems possible. It makes sense for the league to make a move like this because the MLB has not been progressing like its previous years. Not as many people go to see games nor do they tune into the broadcasts as often.
Would juiced baseballs lead to better ratings for the MLB, or would they polarize traditionalists and new age viewers?
I think theses new age baseballs will make current viewers pretty annoyed that the game is changing so drastically, however the new viewers that come because of the change wont understand or respect the old rules as much.
Would new MLB records have less meaning because of the drastic effect of the supposed juiced baseball?
Yes, because it is easier to hit the baseball and much much harder to throw it. This means that the old records were either harder or easier then now.
Would you be more inclined to watch a game with an altered baseball, or would you rather watch the game with a ball that follows the current guidelines?
Im not sure, I don't really enjoy baseball as much as many other people do so for me to start liking the sport then a lot more then just the balls need to change.
I think that testaments from pitchers like Justin Verlander are very credible. However, since the commissioner outright denied any tampering with the balls, I think it is hard to make a case that the balls have changed solely based on what a couple of pitchers around the league have said.
ReplyDeleteI think that juiced baseballs would make old time baseball fans upset, but people adapt, and I don't think they would stop watching baseball. Additionally, I think that younger people like to see the home run more, and a pitchers duel is not something that people find interesting.
I think new MLB records such as hitting a home run would have less meaning. For example, if there is an increased amount of home runs due to a change in the baseballs, then a record such as single season home runs would have a diminished meaning.
I would be more inclined to watch a game where there are more home runs. I think that sometimes baseball gets really boring to watch when there are few baserunners. Sometimes it gets tiring watching the side get retired every inning.
I think the they were just trying to see if a different design of the ball would work better than the older type of design I don't think it was because they were intentionally doing it to make it harder for the pitcher to throw the ball.
ReplyDeleteI think if you juiced the ball it would polarize the tradition because as it said in the article most of the pitchers could't throw the ball consistently. And that could mess up a lot things.
I think it would have less meaning because if the pitchers can't through correctly then their records would be all over the place and then the batters hits would be all good because they can all easily hit the ball
I would rather watch a game where the guidelines are followed because then the game would be even for both teams and their wouldn't be an unfair advantage for the batter when they have to hit the ball
1. I am doubtful to say outright that the balls were altered. While the claims made by the pitchers are strong evidence for that the balls were altered, the statements made by the MLB commissioner overrule those made by pitchers. The sole purpose of the commissioner is to run the league orderly. So, I believe that the commissioner would announce if the balls were to be altered in any way.
ReplyDelete2. At first, I think that the juiced balls would be unfavorable because people do not like change that much. However, as time passes, I believe that the fans will be favorable towards them because it will provide the game with lots of action.
3.If the MLB does make this change, then I believe that the previous records should stand, and a new category should be made to include records set with the new balls. This new category would allow the change to happen while still acknowledging the accomplishments of past players.
4. I would love to see a game that includes the new ball because it would have more homeruns in the game. The homeruns make the game of baseball high scoring and more interesting.
I do not think baseballs are juiced to enhance the quality of games in the MLB because this is against everything the MLB and game stands for. Baseball has been played for a very long time and enhancing baseballs would be disrespectful to the game.
ReplyDeleteJuiced baseballs would lead to better ratings because there would be more action but only if viewers didn't know the balls were juiced. If viewers did find out the balls were juiced I think it would lead to many complaints about the game from long time baseball fans.
The MLB records would have much less meaning with juiced balls because it makes the records so much easier to be reached. The records that stand right now were obtained using regular balls. This makes records with juiced balls easier to reach therefore, should not have as much meaning.
I would rather watch a game that uses a ball with the current guidelines because it makes me realize how talented the players are. It's so hard to play baseball and everyone in the MLB is good even with regular guideline balls. With juiced balls I feel like the game is cheating itself for making it easier.
I think that it is hard to keep tools to playing a game the same for hundreds of years, naturally just like everything on this earth, we adapt and evolve. So, I do believe that the balls used in the MLB have changed overtime. Although I would like to see things stay the same to maintain originality, it is the nature life, everything changes.
ReplyDeleteI think that juiced baseballs ruin the game and make it unfair to players playing the game. Although it might boost the ratings and create popularity in the game, it is ruining the tradition that the game has passed down through the years. Keeping the game as similar to the original times of when it was played brings a great feel to the game for me, but I do understand where others some from when they side with changing the game as time goes on.
I think that it wouldn't have as much impact on the records of the MLB teams because if all teams were playing with the Juiced baseballs, then everybody would be cheating against everybody canceling it all out. But if only some teams were using the juiced baseballs, then it would become a real problem.
Personally, I like to think of myself as a traditionalist so I would rather watch a game that was being played with the real balls following the current guidelines. I think that it gives for a better feel of the game and more true competition going into the games.
1. I do not think the MLB juices up baseballs to enhance the of games in the MLB because this is against everything the MLB and game stands for. Baseball was made to be a long game that the fans love, so enhancing the balls would make the fans mad and would be disrespectful to the game.
ReplyDelete2. Juiced-up balls may lead to better ratings because there would be more action but only if viewers didn't know the balls were juiced. If viewers did find out the balls were juiced I think it would lead to many complaints about the game from long time baseball fans.
3. The MLB records would have much less meaning with juiced balls because it makes the records so much easier to be reached. The records that stand right now were obtained using regular balls. This makes records with juiced balls easier to reach therefore, should not have as much meaning. If records were to broken with juiced balls, there would be a major asterisk next to the new record and its holder.
4. I would rather watch a game that uses a ball with the current guidelines because it makes me realize how talented the players are. Plus, I grew up with baseball having regular balls, just like everyone else. Maybe the worst thing of this whole situation is that juiced balls is an indirect way to give a player steroids. The juiced-up balls will give players stats that we be like if they had steroids with the current balls. All that together is just not good for the MLB if they decide to juice up the balls.
Do you believe that the balls used by the MLB have been intentionally altered to enhance the quality of games? Why?
ReplyDeleteI do believe that these baseballs have been altered to enhance the quality of the game. As stated in the article, you have many pitchers who have been throwing baseballs their whole lives, who say that there are definitely changes. Also, the numbers don't lie. The home run record by the league was beaten by over 500, which is a very large amount. Baseball as a sport has been criticized many times over the years as too slow and very boring, so it would make sense why the MLB would do this.
Would juiced baseballs lead to better ratings for the MLB, or would they polarize traditionalists and new age viewers?
I think that juiced baseballs would lead to better ratings for the MLB. Despite the fact that it changes the tradition of baseball and the game as a whole, it becomes very different, and for the better. I think most baseball fans would prefer to watch a game with a lot of action as oppose to a snooze fest. If people found out that they were being juiced, this would lead to a lot of complaints and the MLB would lose many of their fans.
Would new MLB records have less meaning because of the drastic effect of the supposed juiced baseball?
MLB records would have a lot less meaning from two aspects of the game. Pitching is supposedly much harder which gives the batter an advantage already, and then once the hitter makes contact the ball is flying farther, so hitting becomes so much more easier than it would be with a regular baseball.
Would you be more inclined to watch a game with an altered baseball, or would you rather watch the game with a ball that follows the current guidelines?
Personally, I think that I would be more inclined to watch a game with an altered baseball. For me, watching the world series this past season was so much fun. The games were very high scoring and balls would be hit very hard and far. No matter what, games are always more exciting with a high level of action. It would also make a great pitching performance that much more special. The sport would change drastically, but it would be more enjoyable.
Do you believe that the balls used by the MLB have been intentionally altered to enhance the quality of games? Why?
ReplyDeleteI believe it is very well possible because if you think about it publicly, more home runs and hits in a major league game is much more entertaining than one that is not. Therefore it makes sense for the MLB to changed the balls also if major league pitchers feel as though the ball has changed it probably did.
Would juiced baseballs lead to better ratings for the MLB, or would they polarize traditionalists and new age viewers?
In my opinion I think there is no point in changing something that is great it is the professional baseball there is no need for change. Yet, the majority of the public is offense oriented as in the higher scoring the game is the more entertaining regardless of the sport.
Would new MLB records have less meaning because of the drastic effect of the supposed juiced baseball?
Yes, of course it is an unfair playing field, if it is a easier ball to hit because the pitchers don’t have as much control, than how can it be comparable. It would give less meaning to the records of today if the ball creates an uneven playing field uncomparable to the game before the change in the ball.
Would you be more inclined to watch a game with an altered baseball, or would you rather watch the game with a ball that follows the current guidelines?
I would be more inclined to watching baseball in it’s most traditional form with the most traditional ball. It is best for the audiences of all ages, it carries out what the game should be like and it is baseball it is a classic game that does not need to be modernized.
1. I think its possible, as numerous pitchers have complained, but am not 100% sure. Recently, more players have focused on the science of the game, and worked on certain things such as launch angles which might be another explanation.
ReplyDelete2. I think if the MLB admitted to use juiced balls it would have a negative impact on traditionalists. The more homeruns, the more attracted a young fan is, as a pitchers duel to many can be boring. The games are 3+ hours, and a young kid is unlikely to enjoy sitting through a game unless there is some excitement. If they keep juicing balls a mystery, then everyone will be satisfied.
3. I don't think it would take anything away from new record holders. As the years go on, we see the pitching improve more and more. Lots of guys throw in the upper 90's and the control pitcher who throws high 80s/low 90's is more of a rarity. So I think as the pitching improves, it wouldn't hurt to help out the hitters a little too, as hitting a baseball is the hardest thing to do in sports.
4. To me it really doesn't matter. I've been watching baseball my whole life, and find watching Yankee games exciting regardless. Again I think that even if the MLB does alter the balls, they shouldn't come out with it. This may have just been a record setting year, all these rumors could go away after next season.
Do you believe that the balls used by the MLB have been intentionally altered to enhance the quality of games? Why?
ReplyDelete- I don't believe they were altered. However, the NFL has shown that anything is possible. If the MLB altered baseballs, they would have to do this in factories and would have to spend tremendous amounts of money changing the balls for the world series.
Would juiced baseballs lead to better ratings for the MLB, or would they polarize traditionalists and new age viewers?
- Juiced baseballs would definitely lead to better ratings. For years, people have been trying to make baseball more entertaining. This would definitely do this. People like watching players hit long home runs because it is entertaining and makes the game more exciting.
Would new MLB records have less meaning because of the drastic effect of the supposed juiced baseball?
- Yes. MLB records can not be measured to the same standard anymore because it would be so much easier to hit home runs and break those records, while it would be so much harder to break pitching records.
Would you be more inclined to watch a game with an altered baseball, or would you rather watch the game with a ball that follows the current guidelines
- I would be more inclined to watch games with altered baseballs. It makes the game more exciting and I enjoy a faster, more eventful game.
Do you believe that the balls used by the MLB have been intentionally altered to enhance the quality of games? Why?
ReplyDeleteI do believe that the balls have been changed by the mlb in an effort to better the game. Over the years the MLB has struggled to bring in a consistent audience and have even taken steps to increase the pace of the game. With this in mind it is not far fetched to think the MLB would change the balls to increase the scoring and pace of the games.
Would juiced baseballs lead to better ratings for the MLB, or would they polarize traditionalists and new age viewers?
I do believe that juiced balls would lead to improved ratings an to better enjoyment of the game. Fans like to see high scoring explosive games, something baseball has not been for years. But with the new balls and increase in home runs people seem intrigued, and the ratings reflect this.
Would new MLB records have less meaning because of the drastic effect of the supposed juiced baseball?
The records would definitely have less meaning but at the same time it is very hard to compare eras in any sport. Over times so much can change whether it be technique, the materials used, or the athletes themselves that it really is impossible to compare records an eras.
Would you be more inclined to watch a game with an altered baseball, or would you rather watch the game with a ball that follows the current guidelines?
I would honestly rather watch a game with the new baseballs as I think home runs and high scoring games are more exciting in baseball.
Do you believe that the balls used by the MLB have been intentionally altered to enhance the quality of games? Why?
ReplyDeleteI am not sure if the MLB intentionally altered the balls but they definitely have the means and the motive to. If players can hit better the games would be more interesting and cause more popularity of the sport. I believe that the MLB tried to improve the baseball, maybe to make them more slick but they didn't intend to affect the game by that much.
Would juiced baseballs lead to better ratings for the MLB, or would they polarize traditionalists and new age viewers?
I think they will polarize traditionalists and new viewer and would also increase the popularity of the sport. I believe that the traditionalists will still follow the league but there will be a huge increase of fans due to the game becoming more interesting.
Would new MLB records have less meaning because of the drastic effect of the supposed juiced baseball?
Yes hitting records would be broken by present players since it is easier to hit the ball farther. This will ruin the legacy of past players and make the achievements of past and present players less special.
Would you be more inclined to watch a game with an altered baseball, or would you rather watch the game with a ball that follows the current guidelines?
I would rather watch a game with an altered baseball. This is because baseball's most exciting moments are the hits and scoring runs and the easier it is to hit it the more exciting it gets. Watching a game where the pitching dominates is kind of boring and would cause many fans who don't follow baseball religiously to stop watching the game.
Do you believe that the balls used by the MLB have been intentionally altered to enhance the quality of games? Why?
ReplyDeleteI think that the MLB has intentionally altered the baseball, but not to enhance the quality of games with the intention of the current outcome. Sports need to stay modern and updated, and so the MLB could’ve just modified the baseball to improve the quality of the baseball itself. I think that the statistics and results are just an accidental consequence of the MLB updating the baseball.
Would juiced baseballs lead to better ratings for the MLB, or would they polarize traditionalists and new age viewers?
I think juiced baseballs would lead to better ratings in the beginning because the most exciting part of baseball are the home runs and sluggers that the players hit. However, these plays are only so entertaining because they are not happening every single play, which preserves their excitement. I think that after everyone “adjusts” to seeing homeruns hit very often, then the sport would actually decline because then the exciting plays aren’t very special.
Would new MLB records have less meaning because of the drastic effect of the supposed juiced baseball?
I think compared to the old records they would mean nothing because the players using the juiced baseball have it a lot easier to break the record, while the players back then didn’t have this advantage. However, the new records set to each other wouldn’t have less of a meaning because everyone still has the same advantage at breaking the record, just the record numbers would be relatively higher than the old records.
Would you be more inclined to watch a game with an altered baseball, or would you rather watch the game with a ball that follows the current guidelines?
I think I would because baseball to me is boring because I find that the games are too long without constant excitement. I think that if they did alter the baseball, I’d start to follow it more and maybe start watching a few games.
I believe that the MLB would do this to make baseball more entertaining to attract more fans. People would rather watch a high scoring game than two pitchers dominate so why wouldn't they juice balls? If it increases views and money I believe it's possible they would do this.
ReplyDeleteI do believe it would attract more people as the sport would be faster and more exciting. I think some traditionalist would be annoyed but it wouldn't cause them to stop watching and it would only attract younger new fans.
Yes because it would be easier to break records therefore it wouldn't be as much of an accomplishment.
I never watch baseball so I think if they played with juiced balls it would make me be more interested.
Do you believe that the balls used by the MLB have been intentionally altered to enhance the quality of games? Why?
ReplyDeleteI don't think that the balls are being intentionally altered to enhance the quality of the game. If the MLB was doing this, it would be terrible on their part by altering the balls towards the end of the season with the players having no time to adjust anything. I think the MLB was testing new balls out, which was terrible timing, considering the playoffs had just begun.
Would juiced baseballs lead to better ratings for the MLB, or would they polarize traditionalists and new age viewers?
Juiced balls would lead to better ratings for the MLB because it would make games more entertaining because there would be more home runs. Juiced balls would make good pitchers more valuable because everyone would be able to hit home runs, but not everyone can pitch very fast.
Would new MLB records have less meaning because of the drastic effect of the supposed juiced baseball?
Yes. It would be much easier to hit home runs which would make new records easier to break and it would take away from previous record holders because they hat to hit home runs on real balls but now they hit it on easy balls.
Would you be more inclined to watch a game with an altered baseball, or would you rather watch the game with a ball that follows the current guidelines?
I would be more inclined to watch a game with an altered baseball because it would be more hits/ home runs which would make the game more entertaining.
1) I find it hard to believe that baseballs are being altered in the MLB. I believe that the type of player who is valued most in the MLB is the player who hits for decent average, gets on base a lot, and hits more home runs. We're seeing fewer and fewer players getting away with hitting under .300 and fewer than 10 home runs while remaining a starter. The bar for getting a starting position on a Major League Baseball team has risen.
ReplyDelete2) Juiced baseballs would make baseball a much more interesting sport to watch for the masses, which would certainly increase ratings REGARDLESS of whether or not traditionalists agree with it or not. (Most traditionalists won't stop watching baseball regardless)
3) If the balls are in fact juiced (or altered to give the hitter an advantage), which is still in question, then stats would have to be recharacterized just as stats from the dead/live ball eras are. (dead ball era balls were wound looser)
4) I'm a big yankees fan, and they type of ball they are using would not impact my inclination to watch a game either way.
1. I believe that the baseballs may have been altered to improve the quality of the game. Homeruns are the best part of baseball, that is what everyone gets excited about. In recent years interest in baseball has gone down so this could be a tactic to increase viewers and interest again.
ReplyDelete2. I think that new baseballs would definitely help the MLB. As a person who doesn't really enjoy watching baseball other than homeruns, it would help to get me to watch a game. I want to see homeruns and this gives viewers that.
3. This would make new records have less meaning. These records aren't as hard to achieve. While still impressive, it isn't as special as it was when the balls where fair.
4. I think that watching games with altered balls would be a lot more interesting. It would add excitement and make the games higher scoring. Fans like that. Although it would make pitching a lot harder it would make it a slug fest. Altered balls may help to save the MLB.
Do you believe that the balls used by the MLB have been intentionally altered to enhance the quality of games? Why?
ReplyDeleteYes I believed they were to improve the entertainment of the games watched. It will also boost player stats, and have more home runs, which is arguably the most exciting plays in baseball.
Would juiced baseballs lead to better ratings for the MLB, or would they polarize traditionalists and new age viewers?
I think that they would, because the games would be more entertaining in general. Smaller scope fans will be attracted to watching baseball more often if the game composes of more home runs
Would new MLB records have less meaning because of the drastic effect of the supposed juiced baseball?
It would make hitting records less honorable, because it would have been easier than the past players had it.
Would you be more inclined to watch a game with an altered baseball, or would you rather watch the game with a ball that follows the current guidelines?
I don't have a specific preference, I enjoy watching a game of baseball whether there are multiple home runs or not.