A quick spot-check shows that in 1970 and 1971, the Cardinals 40-man roster included 22 and 23 pitchers respectively.
Last year they carried 17.
Truth is, I can't tell whether this supports my point or not. But to be clear, my point isn't the tongue in cheek headline. It's that potentially great hitters are electing to pitch because baseball values pitching more. There's the pressure we've seen from posters here, and there's more money.
Which might explain why offensive production is not keeping pace with improved pitching
I think that reason may be that at anytime they could call up one of their AAA guys not on the 40 yet. You don't have to be a golden glove guy but if you can hit you have a job and IMO there are not too many really great hitters out there.
Good responses but I think that JBB hit the nail on the head. Most guys will do what they have to get to where they want to go. And as infielddad brought up the park factors really decide who goes where and why and as bballman, pointed out, pitching is now a specialized position, in the pro game and at the ML level they have a role or learning where they fit in the best. some begin those roles in college. The problem is that very few know how to use those guys in the proper role.
To be honest, if we had it to do over again I still would definitely encourage son to be a pitcher, more opportunities.
IMO, there are so few hitters in ML ball who are really special. Not in the lower levels, but I kind of understand why so many more pitchers make the big field before hitters.
jp,
Most if not all HS pitchers all played other positions (at one time) and hit the ball well, mine the PO actually made utility player of the year in our county..his senior season. He would have loved to have been a postion guy, I think they all want to, but reality is like JBB stated, a guys got to do what hes got to do to stay in the game.