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I agree that the pitching has gotten better. However, not only have we seen an increase in velocity, but the number of pitchers using a changeup has gone up in a big way.
I think that along with faster fastballs, the incorporation of the changeup by so many pitchers has led to a decrease in offense league wide. In the past, pitchers always had a curve or a slider. Not many were using the changeup. Now, almost every good pitcher has one, and those that don't are working on one.
Also, I have to agree with Taro. Can you name a way we could fill 6 holes on this team by trading one player? I can.
Trade Felix for 4 top notch prospects and use the $19 million he's due the next 3 years to sign 2 more free agents. 6 holes filled by trading one guy. You can trade Pineda, but you may be able to fill 2 holes with the return.
I suggested on a message board that one scenario trading Felix could net you this:
Jesus Montero - DH, Gary Sanchez - C, Dellin Betances - SP, Slade Heathcott - CF
Then, with that $19 million you sign 2 guys, in my example I used Erik Bedard and Carlos Beltran for the next 3 years.
Insert whatever names you want, but adding 6 quality major league players to slot alongside Ackley/Smoak/Pineda without increasing your payroll one cent is the type of move this team is going to have to make at some point if it really wants to build a contender.
Losing Felix would hurt, but we have Pineda/Vargas/Fister/Hultzen/Paxton/Beavan/Walker already in the system (once Hultzen signs), and then adding a top pitching prospect like Betances in the trade?! We're not lacking on pitching, we would survive without Felix. We won't survive without an absolute game changer trade to add some offense.