I don't know for sure if it's different. But mainly, the surface seems slicker. And I don't think there's any doubt that the seams seem lower than in past years. I just think there are a lot of good hitters now. Up and down the lineup, there's not just three or four good hitters in a lineup any more.
Every lineup has nine good hitters.
Players are stronger these days. It's a different game now. It's not the ball. Martinez is told many players acknowledge that the seams are lower, the hide is smoother and the ball seems harder. I just don't.