Technique...a lot of arm throwers these days versus the Seaver’s of yesteryear who really used their legs.
Re: 7 - good point.
Some thoughts:
1) The pitch clock is here to stay. I don’t like it so much, as I think it takes away from the unique tempo each game has, but fans are not going to go to games that last 3.5-4 hours.
2) If we assume that strength and conditioning are at the peak of their current scientific limits, I think you need to look at natural ability and mechanics.
Natural ability accepts that not everyone has a body style to throw for velocity. Gibson did, Ryan did, etc. But guys like Glavin and Maddox - not so much. A slider is very hard on the arm, but lots of guys like to throw it. Why do so many younger pitchers like to throw sliders? Good breaking ball pitchers get it done at much less velocity and the arm mechanics are l as stressful.
A left handed hard throwing pitcher can punch his ticket in MLB. But you mess with the bull (high velocity), you’re going to get the horns - count on it.
Think Don Sutton and Don Drysdale. They’d give ya’ 9 every game if they needed to.