They overcorrected with the changes to the ball. Not only do the balls fly a shorter distance, but they raised the seams as well, leading to more movement and break.
Use of sticky substances absolutely is a big deal and the league is right to crack down, but it also gives them cover for their missteps with changing the ball. By raising the profile of the foreign substance abuses, it gives them ammunition when negotiating with the very powerful MLBPA.
After the mlb announced they were going to start checking for and taking action again foreign substances a couple of weeks ago, spin rates were down across several of the leagues big pitchers.
Sticky substances affects spin rate, correct. I'm saying that there are other factors beyond that contributing to the record low levels of offensive production and proliferation of no hitters.
The sticky tack increases spin, but the changes to the ball act as a multiplier. Bigger seams make the increased spin more effective; reduce coefficient of restitution makes a mistake less costly (so pitchers can take more strategic risks).
Use of sticky substances absolutely is a big deal and the league is right to crack down, but it also gives them cover for their missteps with changing the ball. By raising the profile of the foreign substance abuses, it gives them ammunition when negotiating with the very powerful MLBPA.