Originally Published: June 22, 2005

Drug testing main factor in HR decrease

Make no mistake, MLB's new drug-testing program has had an effect on power numbers this year, says Joe Morgan.

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Morgan By Joe Morgan
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Power numbers are down across major-league baseball. At the current pace, about 700 fewer home runs will be hit this season. That's a significant decrease.

A number of factors must be considered in analyzing this trend, but make no mistake: The new drug-testing program has had an effect on power numbers. There might not be any concrete or scientific proof, but the testing is working to a degree.

I don't want to name specific players – it's early, so stats can still change – but some guys who hit 30-plus home runs in past years are experiencing a decline in power this year. At the end of the season, I expect guys who experienced power surges in the recent past to return to more modest home run production.

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