As I watch games today, I’m noticing the incredible skill of the fielders. The Dodgers just scored three runs in the bottom of the third inning, but it could have been more as Manny Machado and Trent Grisham made outstanding plays for San Diego. Today I’ve seen diving plays, incredibly strong throws, balls run down in the outfield, first basemen pulling in offline throws while keeping contact with the bag.

Fielding is so much better than when I was young. I wrote many years ago about third basemen making the bare hand play on a slow grounder. I remember Graig Nettles making that play and being amazed. Now, every third baseman makes that play easily.

While strikeouts are pushing batters to lift the ball more, don’t underestimate the constantly improving fielders pushing batters as well. Meanwhile, enjoy the great glove work, speed, and arms of the modern fielders. It’s beautiful to watch.