• Strategies like the hit-and-run and stolen base attempt (at their lowest per-game average since 1964, according to Elias) have become endangered species. 

I grew up watching baseball in the 70s and 80s in the Bay Area. The managers I remember the most were Roger Craig of the Giants and Billy Martin of the A's and later Tony LaRussa. Their brand of baseball was so much fun. Hit and run, double steals — even triple steals with Martin, drag bunts, stealing home, and the dummy off first so the guy at third could break for home.

The most exciting players were guys like Willie McGee, Willie Wilson, Andre Dawson, Tim Raines, Rickey Henderson, Ryne Sandberg, Joe Morgan, Paul Molitor, Lou Brock, Vince Coleman, Ron Leflore, Andy Van Slyke, Rod Carew, Garry Templeton, Pete Rose, Cesar Cedeno, and Davey Lopes. Guys that could rope one into the alley and fly all the way to third. Triples and inside the park home runs were the most exciting play in baseball for me other than maybe a close play at the plate.

There just isn't any MOVEMENT in today's game. Advanced stats have ruined the game. I appreciate the strategy of working a starter to drive up the pitch count so you can get to the bullpen, but it is BORING. And then once you get on base, you don't dare give away an out by getting caught stealing. And this causes the games to go on FOREVER.