Analytics and the decline of Baseball's popularity?

Was thinking back to Tom Seaver in light of the latest news and brought me back to the 70's when there were stud aces on the mound, Seaver v. Carlton/Perry/Sutton, Palmer v. Blue/Hunter/Guidry.

A common thought nowadays is that starters and more particularly Aces are not as valued as before. As I see, starters are getting minimized each passing year and more and more relievers are being utilized.

Has the decline of the pitching ace contributed to the decline in baseball's popularity? The loss of marquee pitching matchups more particularly?

 

I don't think baseball's popularity is decreasing due to the dearth of 1-0, 2-1 games.

 

The ace is important. We have to protect the ace . . . by not letting the ace pitch.

 

I think that was a big driver; Gooden v. Maddux or Pedro v. Clemens was compelling or Lincecum v. Kershaw. Nowadays, Romo (as opener) v. Mengden? I don't care about the hitters, that just doesn't sell to me.

 

Check the opening day matchups, I think you'll find plenty to care about.

 

I still think the decline of baseball's popularity can be directly traced to having hundreds of channels on your TV and smartphones in your pocket. Folks like me who watched baseball (Cubs on WGN, Braves on WTBS) back when we got 20 channels because it was the only option besides Springer, Oprah and Bonanza reruns have more options now.

 

The ball isn't play enough. That's the biggest issue. Too many strikeouts and walks. Too many pitching changes.

They don't score often in soccer but the ball is forever in play. So little things are happening all the time.

 

I agree with Alma. Watching what is often a game of catch is not engrossing.

 

plus porn

 

By raw numbers, baseball is more popular than ever.

The only way it’s “declining popularity” is if you measure it today as one of 3000 entertainment options versus 50 years ago when it was that or cow squares all summer.

 

I pity kids today, never knowing what it was like to have to nervously buy a Playboy at a convenience store while they hoped not to get carded.