So there may be something to the weather theory. ERAs and half averaged two walks or fewer per game. The SeaWolves hit a whopping .321 in their first dozen games, and Norwich, at .277, was running 20 points above last year's average. Both Triple-A leagues had more teams than not hitting .250 or above. Same with the American and National leagues.
Pitchers say the strike zone has changed little, if at all.
But then, they have the most to gain. New Britain's Kyle Lohse lost 18 games last season but looked unbeatable in a recent 1-0 victory over Portland. But when you make a mistake and the batter takes it, it helps when it's called a strike. Of course, sooner or later hitters are going to start swinging at that pitch and it'll hurt you. But for now, I don't think hitters are used to it.