Just look at how the hitting numbers plummeted over the last 5-10 years… they had to ban sticky stuff and there were thoughts about moving the mound back or down again to counteract things. Hitting did get better during the steroid era… and plenty of pitchers were likely on steroids as well… but this velo/spin max out was a direct response to that era and I echo that bullpen utilization has also played a big role.
