Why are SB's down from 20 yrs. qgo?

[redsoxflyfishr]

The book baseball between the numbers did an interesting piece on SB's. They looked at all the SB's Rickey Henderson had during the 80's and found they really didn't add that many more runs for the team. I dont' know the exact numbers so you'll have to read the book for that. I think the conclusion was though that the risk associated with stealing bases isn't worth the reward. (Unless Dave Roberts is on 1st in the ALCS and the Sox are playing the Yankees). I think more and more managers are looking for the highest probability method to get runs scored and SB's isn't really the way to do it. I think it's like other people have mentioned...there are just too many power hitters these days...so why risk getting picked off when the next guy up can just let you jog in for the run?

[Reality Baseball]

But it is cyclical. And there may be a day when HR numbers drop again and SBs become more valuable. Though, with all the crappy bandbox park dimensions introduced in recent years, it is less likely.

[teddy ballgame]

As someone mentioned, it's more the sabermetric strategy that's taking over. Managers don't send runners as often because it's not as beneficial as what was once thought. That, and the increase in power, as when someone gets on base we wait around for a HR rather than manufacture a run.