Actually, part of the delay is because they are trying to make these rings extra special momentoes of the team's third-straight championship and fourth in five years. George makes sure he gets one, too. Atlanta announcer Don Sutton said he doesn't think baseball will ever see another 300-game winner. He's an authority on the subject, having won 323 games in his 23-year career. That doesn't leave much margin for error.
Guys seem to get injured more.
Also, the use of modern bullpens mean most starters get taken out around the sixth or seventh inning, if they are trailing. Sutton's beliefs might raise eyebrows considering he broadcasts games pitched by Greg Maddux, the pitcher given the best chance of joining the 300-win club.