I think pre-WWII starting pitchers would have a HUGE advantage today. Back then, they were in four man rotations and expected to finish what they started even if it meant throwing 150+ pitches to do so. So, by the end of the season, they were racking up 250 or more Innings pitched AND huge pitch counts.
Move those guys to today and see what happens.
They would have better training, better nutrition, would be in five man rotations and would only be expected to go into the Sixth Inning and throw 110 pitches (or less).
Sure the parks are smaller and the mound is lower BUT the hitters don't try to make as much contact today. They try for the Home Run more often and thus are more vulnerable to striking out. Take a good pitcher with good stuff and instead of him trying to pace himself for nine or more Innings just let him throw his best stuff for six and see what happens.
David
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