A lot of these newer stadiums which have small outfield just do not seem to allow a traditional style of baseball or run creation. There are very small areas of green that a hitter can hit the ball without a fielder getting there....and then the shifts have even diminished the field even more. I think hitters have just realized they a better off trying to hit it in the one place a fielder is unable to catch it. Not my preference either....but not sure how it goes back in the other direction.