Posted By:
peter chaoGuys,
The reason for reaching this many milestones in one year may be simpler than you think. There are three factors at play here. First, high salaries mean that players are keeping themselves fit all year round. Second, training methods have improved so players have longer careers. Have there ever been this many pitchers that are 40+. Also, thirdly, because of the continuing history of the game and the contributions of Bill James and SABR, numbers are just more important nowadays. Case in point Barry Bonds is fully away of his place in history and the fact that he is approaching significant milestones. This has to be one of the reasons guys like Randy Johnson and Sammy Sosa continue playing even though they have been on a downhill slide for quite a while.
Peter