It would definitely hurt the Jose Alvarados of the world. That is kind of the point. Though 99 miles in the zone might be easier to do with a deader ball since fewer HRs would result.
Moving the mound back is controversial and maybe a deader ball would do what I want (fewer strikeouts, more balls in play), but I think pitchers would adjust. We are only talking 6-12 inches longer. That is enough to make a fastball appear 1 mph slower. It might just be enough to prevent the overthrowing incentives we currently have. I would experiment with this. I know the Atlantic league did a little with uncertain results.
The point is that pitcher injuries are way too high because of all the incentives in the current game to throw 100 mph and worry less about throwing strikes and changing speeds. I'd be more for cutting the pitchers to 12 than forcing them to throw 6 innings too. Train our relievers to throw 2 innings and they need more stamina likely at the expense of some velocity.
I just get annoyed by all these writers with their cute ideas that likely would make things worse in execution. Not this article, but I'm thinking of you Jayson Stark.
