The NL Needs the DH
by BSmitty
on Jul 1, 2008 9:19 AM EDT
A number of current MLB controversies have made it clear that the game is moving forward into a new era. One fan tries to find the best balance between past and present.
From http://www.splicetoday.com/sports/the-nl-needs-the-dh
Baseball is an exhilarating yet frustrating mess of contradictions, and this fan is caught in the trap—like millions of other men and women (save George Will, whose pompous moral certitude about the sport is immutable)—of trying to reconcile “purist” instincts with the undeniable improvements in the game over the past several decades. Last weekend, for example, while watching a slew of inter-league contests via the MLB “Extra Innings” package (which, regardless of varying prices depending on your locale and cable provider, costs less for an entire season of televised games than one day at a stadium for a family of four), I finally switched gears and figured it was time for the National League to acquiesce and adopt the still-controversial designated hitter rule.
Heresy, I guess, but what the hell; if you’re a Milwaukee Brewers’ devotee, wouldn’t it be delightful to see the world’s tubbiest vegetarian, Prince Fielder, in the dugout, contemplating his next plate appearance, instead of anchored at first base? One league’s dominance over the other usually runs in cycles, but the N.L. seems mired in a slump that’s likely to run longer than the Great Depression, and this was evident once again over the weekend. Sure, the strategy required of an N.L. manager is more intricate than A.L. counterparts with double-switches and more sacrifice bunts, but the two leagues might be more competitive if older free agents (or crummy fielders) could extend their careers as a DH.
That said, and here’s one of those curveballs, I can’t stand inter-league play, even though it pumps up attendance and allows fans to see star players who were once a mystery aside from the All-Star game (which, of course, has devolved into a meaningless exhibition game instead of a proud showcase) or the World Series. My 13-year-old son, with whom I have the pleasure of sitting next to in our matching easy chairs in the homestead’s television room, adamantly disagrees, but I chalk that up to his participation in a fantasy league with a bunch of school buddies. I just don’t like the disruption of the season’s rhythm, the fake “rivalries” cooked up by MLB schedule makers—sure, the Cubs and White Sox make sense, but the Rockies and Tigers?—for the sake of novelty and profit.
See the rest at http://www.splicetoday.com/sports/the-nl-needs-the-dh
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Boo
The guy made basically zero points the whole time about why…it’s just his personal preference…and he’s an AL fan.
by stlfan on Jul 1, 2008 9:25 AM EDT 0 recs
A long debate about the DH just fell off the first page of FanPosts
Disguised as a thread about Yankees management.
There’s a lot of very good debate going on in that thread, I recommend perusing it. Granted, it’s a bit tilted in favor of the no-DH side since this is an NL team site, but very articulate nonetheless.
by mojowo11 on Jul 1, 2008 9:36 AM EDT 0 recs
Thanks
Really, the only thing I would add to that thread is this:
I went to all six I-70 series games…and the only one I was remotely bored at was the last game that was higher scoring and took nearly 4 hours to complete. The other 5 games had at least one starting pitcher throwing very well (even when there was a DH) and the games simply flew along and were entertaining. That last game was just a drag-it-out, wait for a homer type of game that I just dislike. BORING.
by stlfan on
Jul 1, 2008 10:27 AM EDT
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DH or no DH
I think it is time both leagues were on the same page, regardless of how it turns out. I care more about competitiveness than tradition, and the lack of the DH in the National League puts all of the teams at a severe disadvantage when it comes to interleague and the World Series.
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on Jul 1, 2008 9:43 AM EDT 0 recs
I like the difference in the leagues...
But its not surprising coming from a “resurrect Bonds career” type fan…no love for the history of the game? Were you too young for Kingman, the proto-DH?
Cmon, guy….lets leave those big guys to thrill the fans at AAA with a towering home run every 12-13 ABs after as many SOs, this is something a little more sacred than just being a fan of power hitters. There have been a few DHs that could play, but look at the protos…
I dont care HOW it effects the scoring, the competitive level between the league, the strategy or the game plan, the use of the bench, defense or whatever argument there might be for or against it….watching the AL is akin to watching softball to me in some ways.
What would be nice would several solid years of consistent NL drafting and smart trades….
by cardschinmusic on
Jul 2, 2008 4:59 AM EDT
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oooppps...
Just read ahead and realized why you were so strident in your position above on competition between the leagues and all the arguments you made for the DH….maybe you should go read the thread mentioned above. Also, you can tune in AL games and watch all you want…
by cardschinmusic on
Jul 2, 2008 5:29 AM EDT
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I will
The Rays-Red Sox game had all the intensity of a playoff game last night, and the Rays fans were drowning out the Red Sox fans for the first time.
Amazing stuff. All of you guys can be condescending asses if you want, but the AL brand of baseball is a far superior one right now. And that is an NL fan who hates to admit that.
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 2, 2008 8:16 AM EDT
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And as far as the other thread being sufficient
obviously the discussion had not run its course, and this thread went in some different directions from that one, as far as I can tell. I don’t think over 100 comments qualifies as a worthless diary.
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 2, 2008 8:26 AM EDT
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nice
“you guys can be condescending asses all you want, but clearly i’m right.”
by baw on
Jul 2, 2008 9:10 AM EDT
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Yah
I thought that was an interesting comment as well. You can say the AL has a better brand of baseball, but is it due the the DH, or is it due to better overall management, more money, and a widening salary gap between the leagues?
I would disgree with you as well. On a personal level, I really hate watching AL games. I have a couple of teams that I follow (Twins because they are my Dad’s favorite team, and A’s because of the white shoes….) but there is a lack of strategy to those games, and rivalries get a lot more heated and STUPID because pitchers don’t have to hit. I don’t see Pedro dusting people off for the Mets near as much as he used to with the Sox.
"I just wish that the late Harry Caray were still around so I could hear him mispronounce 'Kosuke Fukudome' every fukun' night" -- Dennis Miller
by fourstick on
Jul 2, 2008 10:53 AM EDT
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Yep, pitchers in the NL cant hide...
Probably 75 of the comments were basically refuting your posts as you switched positions and arguments to stretch your stance on the subject.
Go look at “The Lack of Qaulity Free Agents”...how many posts on that? Why get angry, did you want everybody to just agree with you?
How could the BoSox and Rays NOT have the intensity of a big game man, with 2/3rds of the world wanting to see the Sox get whipped up on and check out the new Rays team? Not a good example, so how about Seattle and Texas? Which DH made that recent 3 game stand exciting?
Theres nothing to admit, its your position not mine…...period.
by cardschinmusic on
Jul 3, 2008 3:14 AM EDT
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It's a better brand
simply because they win a huge percent of the games against the NL, and have for a while now. That’s not an opinion, that’s a fact.
Dude, you just have a problem with me because I think Barry Bonds is a terrific baseball player. You follow me around on these threads and bring that up whenever you disagree. Its happened multiple times. You even admit in this thread you didn’t even read my comments, you just saw the screen name and threw in some sarcastic comment. Get a new hobby.
“The Lack of Quality Free Agents?” What the hell are you talking about? Bringing up Seattle and Texas? That is just weird…its just a game like all the rest going on around the league and had literally nothing to do with what we were talking about.
Again, the so called contradictions you guys pointed out were my attempt to flesh out some different concepts because its a complex game. If you think those were contradictions then I wasn’t being clear in what I was saying, and I apologize for that, but some of you were reading what you wanted to hear in those and not even attempting to see what I was saying.
Ironic because most of you are so convinced you are right and yet accuse me of coming across like everyone has to agree with me, yet I never just jumped on you guys
People don’t have to agree with me, I just expect to be listened to with respect before people just jump down my throat. Most of you just attacked me or insulted me, without provocation. Your first responses were hostile and some were just plain rude.
My bad for not being a part of the all wise and all inclusive thread of a few weeks ago. And my bad for simply considering how the DH could make baseball better instead of joining in the perpetual bitch fest that most people have when it comes up. Your incredible insight has changed my opinion forever! You all sure showed me!
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 3, 2008 6:58 AM EDT
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You know what?
Never mind guys. I got a little upset and sarcastic and I apologize.
Next time, I will just try to be more clear. I was more concerned about getting an opinion out there than actually articulating it well. Again, very sorry to everyone if you were offended. Later.
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 3, 2008 10:28 AM EDT
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The competitive difference
The AL isn’t the better league just because it has a DH. It’s better because right now, it has better hitters.
In 2007, if my calculations are correct:
In games when the pitcher had to bat, the AL slugged .428.
When he didn’t, the AL slugged .422.
(Interestingly, those numbers are almost exactly reverse for the NL, unless I’ve screwed something up)
by baw on
Jul 3, 2008 1:08 PM EDT
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...cardsfan24....
http://www.sbnation.com/users/cardschinmusic/search?type=Comment&q=cardsfan24&btn=Search
Are these the sarcastic, horrid reponses to your “screen name” youre referring to?
And I FOLLOW you around?...... these are from Dec and Oct 2007….wow! In one Im apopolgizing to you and in the other Im agreeing with you…get some help!
We’ll end it on that note.
by cardschinmusic on
Jul 4, 2008 5:25 AM EDT
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Please
those are just comments when you actually use my user ID in the text of the comment. It is not all of your replies.
And I stopped caring about this approx. 4 seconds ago. Onto the next topic. Good day, and free Barry Bonds.
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 4, 2008 2:40 PM EDT
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Blasphemy
The game is better without the DH
Redbirds Fun
2006 WS for JB and DK57RIP: Josh Hancock
by cardsfan84 on Jul 1, 2008 10:40 AM EDT 0 recs
+1
god forbid we expect our pitchers to be complete players. these guys have spent the majority of their playing careers as hitters, often quite gifted hitters at that.
How depressing is it being you? Is it closer to being a lifelong cubs fan or being born without lips? - Janitor
by themanthemyth on
Jul 1, 2008 11:03 AM EDT
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er...God forbid...
we expect players to play the field to earn 6-8 digit contracts…
by stlfan on
Jul 1, 2008 11:07 AM EDT
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So now low-payroll teams will be at an
even greater disadvantage because they can’t afford to pay $10-18 million DHs to keep up with the richer teams? And while it would be nice to see fewer slobs playing 1B, at the same time, the DH would encourage teams to employ MORE slobs with big bats. For my money, more slobs = bad for baseball.
by MdRedbirdFreak on Jul 1, 2008 11:22 AM EDT 0 recs
Plus
some people seem to want the DH in th NL just because the NL is getting beat up in interleague. Why not just institute the DH for every interleague game? That way, even though the NL might still suck at interlaegue, it would at least shut up the Hank Steibrenners that whine about hitting pitchers. But to completely integrate the DH just so the NL is more competitive at the cost of ruining the intricacies, strategies and a significant amount of managerial talent is an option that I feel would not make baseball better.
At least he's better than Esteban Yan.
by jacksonian on Jul 1, 2008 11:27 AM EDT 0 recs
The NL would still be at a disadvantage
if the DH rule applied to all interleague games because the DH for the NL team would be a bench player making $0.5-1M, while the AL DH is a professional full-time hitter worth $5-10M.
by hit and run on
Jul 1, 2008 12:31 PM EDT
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Boooo
Bow to the Queen of Slime!
The Queen of Filth!
The Queen of Putrescence!
Boooooo!
Boooooo!
Rubbish! Filth! Slime! Muck!
Boooooo! Boooooo! Boooooooooooooooooo!
by liam on Jul 1, 2008 11:39 AM EDT 0 recs
Beautiful isn't it?
It took me half a lifetime to invent it. I’m sure you’ve discovered my deep and abiding interest in pain. Presently I’m writing the definitive work on the subject, so I want you to be totally honest with me on how the machine makes you feel. This being our first try, I’ll use the lowest setting.
by stlfan on
Jul 1, 2008 2:53 PM EDT
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"my way is not very sportsmanlike"
just imagine david ortiz saying that instead of fezzik. burn!
by mattybobo on
Jul 1, 2008 4:04 PM EDT
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Don't care if its blasphemy
I don’t like watching pitchers waste time by taking crappy hacks at the plate, and most of them do just that.
The DH isn’t going anywhere in the AL, so the NL needs to adopt it
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on Jul 1, 2008 12:07 PM EDT 0 recs
I don’t like watching slow first basemen lumber around the bases, and most of them do just that.
I don’t like watching small middle-infielders hit for no power, and most of them do just that.
I don’t like watching catchers who don’t hit as well as Joe Mauer, and most of them do just that.
Those guys aren’t going anywhere. So the least we can do is designate players to play half the game FOR them and I will enjoy the game more.
by baw on
Jul 1, 2008 12:29 PM EDT
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None of those
directly affect the competitive balance of the game, so perhaps its just your personal preference?
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 1, 2008 1:20 PM EDT
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Sorry,
but what does “none of those directly affect the competitive balance of the game” mean?
It’s my personal preference to have all players play both sides of the game. This is not football—we don’t have an offensive nine and a defensive nine.
There is no reason pitchers can’t be good hitters; a vast number of them were mashers at some point.
What is the difference between designating a hitter and designating a runner?
by baw on
Jul 1, 2008 1:47 PM EDT
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Designating a hitter
has a much greater impact on the game than designating a runner ever will. I hope that doesn’t need to be explained more.
One league having a roster spot that can be used to massively upgrade the offense while the other league does not effects how those leagues compete against one another. It throws the competitive balance out of whack.
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 1, 2008 1:59 PM EDT
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That is an argument
AGAINST the designated hitter, not for it.
I’m not asking you about the difference in impact between a DH and a designated runner. I’m making the point that there is no practical difference in the concepts.
And both are silly.
by baw on
Jul 1, 2008 2:02 PM EDT
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Just because the balance is not equal
does not mean that the DH should be done away with. It could mean that the NL needs to adopt the rule. There are two solutions to the problem.
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 1, 2008 2:05 PM EDT
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If the NL instead instituted a designated runner rule, should the AL adopt it?
by baw on
Jul 1, 2008 2:06 PM EDT
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What is wrong with it?
Hell, if a league wants to adopt a designated anything, that’s fine. I’m just not sure that a designated runner would be a good use of a roster spot. The DH is.
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 1, 2008 2:12 PM EDT
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Agree to disagree, then
I’d rather see 9-on-9 in all facets of the game. Substitutions are strategic and we all enjoy agonizing of TLR’s use of them. A designation is different, IMO. A cop-out.
And again, there’s no reason pitchers can’t become good hitters.
by baw on
Jul 1, 2008 2:30 PM EDT
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Brian Barton
Would be a hell of a designated runner. I, for one, am all for it. Any time Glaus or Molina reaches base safely, we should get Barton to run for them. I liked Kerry Robinson a lot, but am glad he is no longer a Cardinal…but with that rule, I might want him back. Then we could have two out there at the same time. Hell, let’s trade for Joey Gathright from the Royals and just have a shit-ton of them!
by stlfan on
Jul 1, 2008 2:56 PM EDT
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I could get behind that
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 1, 2008 3:01 PM EDT
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If we're getting DRs
we might as well sign Justin Gatlin or something
by baw on
Jul 1, 2008 3:03 PM EDT
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heheh
With a DR, Joey “Gathaway” Gathright would actually have a use on a Major League roster.
by jdub176 on
Jul 1, 2008 3:30 PM EDT
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over specialization
To me the DH is a prime example of the specialization of roles which seems to be a continuing trend in baseball (see relief pitching). In a way this specialization is a good thing because you get to see the players at their best and only at their best (lefty reliever facing lefty, shutdown closer only pitching 1 inning, DH not playing the field, pitcher not hitting).
The problem with the DH specialization is that it takes away a lot the strategy that, in my opinion, makes the game so great. In game decisions are what makes the watching the game interesting. Arguing about whether or not to pinch hit, double switch, etc. makes the game much more fun and interesting. I’ll take watching the pitcher take bad hacks in order to keep that strategy in the game.
For those who argue that the DH should be implemented because they don’t want to watch the pitcher’s feeble attempts to hit or a DH be a butcher in the field, why stop there with the specialization. Its borderline painful to watch Yadier Molina plod around the bases, why not just implement a Designated Runner for him or anyone else that is slow. That seems like the same thing as the DH to me and obviously it is ridiculous. Players should have to participate in all aspects of the game, regardless of whether or not they suck at one of them.
"The right-hander is throwing up in the bullpen." -Mike Shannon
by DJ87 on Jul 1, 2008 12:28 PM EDT 0 recs
The strategy is the key here
With the DH, what do you need a manager for? The batting lineup is completely separated from the pitching lineup. A computer can generate an ideal batting lineup, and the bullpen coach can send out the next reliever in line when his pitcher tires or becomes ineffective. There’s very little strategy left, especially when you consider that the overall increase in offensive production usually results in fewer steals, sacrifices, etc.
With the DH, the game becomes almost completely mindless. Just sit there, try not to think too much, and wait for the next home run.
by hit and run on
Jul 1, 2008 12:43 PM EDT
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In AL baseball
there are still defensive substitutions, pinch runners and hitters, and the manager still has to manage a bullpen and entire pitching staff with sophistication.
It’s not like pinch hitting for the pitcher is one of the most earth shattering decisions made in the game anyway, in a lot of situations, it is very clear cut.
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 1, 2008 1:24 PM EDT
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Also
I would argue that overspecialization tends to INCREASE the use of strategy in the game, not lessen it. You can see this throughout the game….as starters stopped going deep into game on a consistent basis the specialized bullpen evolved into what it is today. This caused the managing of a bullpen to be extremely important in the context of each individual game and throughout the season. This caused the strategic level of the game to increase and not decrease.
Think about it: the DH has caused offenses to become more potent in the AL, so pitchers have had to adapt and so have the managers. Relievers will be brought in specifically to pitch to these behemoths, like how the Yankees search for lefty relievers who can get Ortiz out in late innings situations. Starters will come out of games so a fresh pitcher can face the heart of the AL lineups that usually contain the DH.
The DH also doesn’t have to be some mashing, lumbering type player. Any number of players can fit there, and determining who should be taking those ABs is a roster strategy decision not seen in the NL. A team like the Mariners, who have Jose Vidro as their DH, fail this strategic test and their team suffers for it.
Saying strategy is lessened by the DH sounds too simplistic to me and the support of it is more a support for the tradition of the game than anything else. That’s fine, and I even agree with that to an extent, but the arguments insulting the DH often lack a level of insight and sound knee-jerkish.
My ultimate point is simple: both leagues should have the same rules. I don’t see the AL dropping the DH anytime soon, so the NL should adopt it.
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 1, 2008 1:36 PM EDT
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"There’s very little strategy left, especially when you consider that the overall increase in offensive production usually results in fewer steals, sacrifices, etc."
This sounds right, but the Boston Red Sox have the most famous DH of all time and they are among the league leaders in steals this season, if not in the lead. And yes, this happened while Ortiz was still in the lineup.
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 1, 2008 1:45 PM EDT
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Strategy is lessened by the DH
If that seems simplistic, it’s because it’s f’n obvious.
by liam on
Jul 1, 2008 1:53 PM EDT
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An excellent reply
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 1, 2008 1:57 PM EDT
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Almost as good as:
I don’t see the AL dropping the DH anytime soon, so the NL should adopt it.
by baw on
Jul 1, 2008 2:00 PM EDT
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Which was the last line of a multiple paragraph response
You have not responded to any of it, by the way.
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 1, 2008 2:01 PM EDT
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It is better to have loved and lost,
than never to have loved at all.
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 3, 2008 12:43 PM EDT
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And by the way,
that type of reply makes your position seem less defensible, not more.
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 1, 2008 2:00 PM EDT
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Oh really
Go back and read the thread where we debated this on end a week or two ago.
I’d rather spend my spare time making fun of the DH than explaining to people why it’s an abomination again.
Go back and read through your second and third paragraphs and explain to me how your argument is not a twisted wreck of inconsistency and then I’ll copy-paste some shit from the time this was argued two weeks ago to pretend as though I’m taking it seriously.
by liam on
Jul 1, 2008 2:56 PM EDT
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Easy there slugger
It’s not inconsistent, its presented multiple facets of the issue.
I hold to my opinion that baseball is the only topic that people are more dogmatic on than religion.
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 1, 2008 3:03 PM EDT
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DH talk gets me grumpy
But paragraph three is inconsistent: the DH doesn’t have to be a lumbering slugger, but if he isn’t, your team suffers because of it.
I’ll check this thread in a few days to see if anyone can support the claim that having a batter hit in the pitcher’s spot without the pitcher being removed from the game makes the manager’s strategic decision making more difficult. If anyone can, I’ll eat the rest of the hat I bit a chunk out of when Mike Maroth pitched a scoreless inning in some game last season.
by liam on
Jul 1, 2008 3:10 PM EDT
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No, your team suffers if
Jose freaking Vidro is your DH. Why? Because he can’t hit.
I have already supported that claim.
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 1, 2008 3:17 PM EDT
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but not every non lumbering DH is Vidro-ish
Harold Baines was a DH and he was neither lumbering or Vidro-ish
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on
Jul 1, 2008 10:05 PM EDT
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that just proves that it doesn't have to be overly wordy
to be right fucking on
* sarcasm might be involved in this comment
by mattyfrommo on
Jul 1, 2008 10:00 PM EDT
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NL pitchers have 20 complete games so far this year. The AL has 43.
by baw on
Jul 1, 2008 2:08 PM EDT
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So?
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 1, 2008 2:12 PM EDT
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You said:
Relievers will be brought in specifically to pitch to these behemoths, like how the Yankees search for lefty relievers who can get Ortiz out in late innings situations. Starters will come out of games so a fresh pitcher can face the heart of the AL lineups that usually contain the DH.
by baw on
Jul 1, 2008 2:19 PM EDT
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but the NL had more complete games as recently as 2006
and the difference hardly seems large anyway. its still a relatively small difference considering the amount of games played.
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 1, 2008 2:20 PM EDT
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It's just an empty argument
The DH increases pitching changes when a starter can’t face Ortiz five times… but it decreases them because the pitcher only has to play half the game. It comes out in the wash. It’s insignificant.
What’s significant is that you are designating a player to play half the game. Can we have a DH for Izturis? Kennedy? Hell, it could solve a lot of problems pretty easily.
by baw on
Jul 1, 2008 2:28 PM EDT
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Sure
the ultimate question is what exactly defines strategy? If strategy is defined entirely by pinch hitting, double switches, and sacrifice bunting, then the DH certainly has decreased strategy since no doubt there are less of those things in the AL.
My argument is that strategy is in the decision whether or not to do those things at all. If strategy is in the decision making process, then the AL has MORE of that thinking and there is a larger chasm on what is or isn’t the correct way of thinking.
My basic argument is that specialization increases strategy. Its a good, classic baseball argument either way, and is a great way to burn some time at work.
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 1, 2008 2:34 PM EDT
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Sure,
but if specialization increases strategy, then why have substitutions at all? Every task in baseball could be designated, and “strategy” would skyrocket.
by baw on
Jul 1, 2008 2:40 PM EDT
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Because that would change the basic nature of the game
25 men per roster, per game. The DH is simply a more effective use of a roster spot, in my opinion.
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols
by cardzfan24 on
Jul 1, 2008 2:42 PM EDT
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The DH already changed the basic nature of the game.
I agree that it’s a fantastic use of a roster spot. It also would be awesome to use a roster spot on a pitching machine that threw a 12” curve and a 102-mph fastball, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for the game of baseball..
by baw on
Jul 1, 2008 2:50 PM EDT
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Oh c'mon
the DH has not changed the basic mechanics of the game, it just replaces a crappy bench player with a better hitter so the pitcher focuses on his craft.
The game remains unchanged, and one can argue it is better.
"I believe he’s been reincarnated, that he played before, in the twenties and thirties, and he’s back to prove something." - Former teammate Mark McGwire about Albert Pujols