Designated Hitter

[tag0519]

I've searched around but couldn't find a poll like this. So, let's find out how popular (or unpopular) the DH is on BBF.

[ol' aches and pains]

Due to the constraints of the poll, I had to vote "Not Sure". Being a realist, I know the DH isn't going away. My position is it should be standardized one way or the other throughout MLB. Either implement it in the National League, or get rid of it altogether, I really don't care which.

[Yankeefan3783]

I'm probably in the minority, but I'm fine with one league having it and the other not having it.

[SHOELESSJOE3]

Due to the constraints of the poll, I had to vote "Not Sure". Being a realist, I know the DH isn't going away. My position is it should be standardized one way or the other throughout MLB. Either implement it in the National League, or get rid of it altogether, I really don't care which.

I'm feeling the same way, both leagues should have it. Saying that, I also know it's never going away. I don't hate it, just don't like it but if it's here, should be in both leagues.

[Bulldog19]

If you're going to let them substitute a hitter, he should be allowed to hit for anybody in the line-up.

[EdTarbusz]

I don't like it or dislike it. I do dislike the fact that AL teams can't always use it. I think AL teams should always use it and until the NL adopts it NL teams should never be allowed to use it.

[Bulldog19]

I don't like it or dislike it. I do dislike the fact that AL teams can't always use it. I think AL teams should always use it and until the NL adopts it NL teams should never be allowed to use it.

Sorry.. that might be the DUMBEST solution I've heard.

[EdTarbusz]

Sorry.. that might be the DUMBEST solution I've heard.

Why? Why should an AL team have to revamp its lineup (and not follow its own league rules) in an NL park?

[9RoyHobbsRF]

the DH was invented and originally suggested due to the second dead ball era of the middle to late 60s (other factors such as the wider strike zone, etc. also heavily contributed),

Baseball was seeing its popularity decrease, and had worries about aging stars with injuries being lost from the game (like Orlando Cepeda, Tony Oliva, etc)

it was an artifical creation to bring offense back into a dieing game

the problems I have with the DH are that a pitcher can throw at a hitter and not worry about retaliation against himself

a player with skills like gred maddux or orel hershiser that can field and hit and help his team in many ways shoould be an advantage he can use

the old adage (back in the early 1970s) was who wants to see 9 frank Howards bat against 9 bud harrelsons in the field

the DH is an artificial creation that is no longer needed

abolish it

[Bulldog19]

Why? Why should an AL team have to revamp its lineup (and not follow its own league rules) in an NL park?

So you'd also be okay with one team using an aluminum bat and the other using wood? I mean rules are rules. Why can't teams whatever different rules they so choose?

the problems I have with the DH are that a pitcher can throw at a hitter and not worry about retaliation against himself

I think that's one great thing about the no DH. That was demonstrated perfectly when Hamels hit Harper a few weeks ago. Hamels knew exactly what was coming that next half-inning when he stepped into the batter's box. And he accepted that as the consequence of his actions.

I just don't understand why people believe the pitcher should be held to a different standard than any other player on the field.

[UnderPressure]

So you'd also be okay with one team using an aluminum bat and the other using wood? I mean rules are rules. Why can't teams whatever different rules they so choose?




I think that's one great thing about the no DH. That was demonstrated perfectly when Hamels hit Harper a few weeks ago. Hamels knew exactly what was coming that next half-inning when he stepped into the batter's box. And he accepted that as the consequence of his actions.

Agreed. Why bother hitting the opponents' star hitter? Just hit the starting pitcher that hit your guy.

[EdTarbusz]

So you'd also be okay with one team using an aluminum bat and the other using wood? I mean rules are rules. Why can't teams whatever different rules they so choose?


.

I've never seen a Major League team use aluminum bats so I don't know what rules you are talking about. I don't understand your whole statement.

[StanTheMan]

I don't like it or dislike it. I do dislike the fact that AL teams can't always use it. I think AL teams should always use it and until the NL adopts it NL teams should never be allowed to use it.

Well Ed, there is this little thing in the fall called the World Series, and if anyone thought the result of an exibition game determining home field advantage for the Fall Classic was the biggest farce in a log time... They need to read your post.

AL gets to DH while the NL does not. In the World Series.




Sorry, I have to.




I have no problem with the current system. NL ball is strategically different than AL ball, and I prefer it. If I were to make one change it might be for Interleague Play in the AL park WOULD HAVE the pitchers hit, to let AL fans, especially those 30 and under, see their manager in a pressure spot in the late innings, perhaps taking a pitcher off the mound, but with the P spot due up in the next half inning, he has a decision to make. Same with a starter who is pitching well, but is up to bat with runners on in a close low scoring game. Let him hit or remove him from the game? Use of the whole bench due to increased PH, etc.

Conversely in the NL parks, let Interleague Games USE the DH. Again, different ball for fans who have not seen it.

Here is the problem with the DH... One season, Cito Gaston was managing Toronto, and did not make a single change to his starting lineup until a game in June. Changed P whenever he wanted. Never pinch hit for anyone. That's not managing in my book. It's beer league softball managing...

[Bulldog19]

I've never seen a Major League team use aluminum bats so I don't know what rules you are talking about. I don't understand your whole statement.

The point is if you are okay with the team two using different rules, then why can't an individual team use whatever rules it wants?

Next thing you know.. maybe we should assign two umpires to each team as well. That homeplate umpire's strike zone today is calling everything for team A and nothing for team B. I mean different rules, why not?

---
A professional pitcher makes a lot of money to play the game of baseball. He should have to play ALL aspects of the game. They always claim that they are the best athletes on the field.. let's see it!

[EdTarbusz]

The point is if you are okay with the team two using different rules, then why can't an individual team use whatever rules it wants?

Next thing you know.. maybe we should assign two umpires to each team as well. That homeplate umpire's strike zone today is calling everything for team A and nothing for team B. I mean different rules, why not?

---
A professional pitcher makes a lot of money to play the game of baseball. He should have to play ALL aspects of the game. They always claim that they are the best athletes on the field.. let's see it!

I'm not okay with two different sets of rules. I think AL teams should use AL rules and NL teams should use NL rules in every game and in every venue.

[UnderPressure]

I also feel that NL managers earn their paychecks more when it comes to in-game strategies and decisions.

[EdTarbusz]

Well Ed, there is this little thing in the fall called the World Series, and if anyone thought the result of an exibition game determining home field advantage for the Fall Classic was the biggest farce in a log time... They need to read your post.

AL gets to DH while the NL does not. In the World Series.

...

Why should the World Series be any different? Why should an AL team be forced to revamp its lineup?

Also, how many AL fans do you think are really wishing they could see their pitchers hit? My guess is the number would be extremely small.

[Bulldog19]

I'm not okay with two different sets of rules. I think AL teams should use AL rules and NL teams should use NL rules in every game and in every venue.

Why should the World Series be any different? Why should an AL team be forced to revamp its lineup?

Also, how many AL fans do you think are really wishing they could see their pitchers hit? My guess is the number would be extremely small.

Moving on.. I'm getting a headache from hitting my head on the brickwall that you keep bringing up. Eliminate the DH and the AL doesn't have to ever "revamp its lineup"

They can instead play real baseball 162 games a season.

[EdTarbusz]

Moving on.. I'm getting a headache from hitting my head on the brickwall that you keep bringing up. Eliminate the DH and the AL doesn't have to ever "revamp its lineup"

They can instead play real baseball 162 games a season.

The DH is not going to get eliminated. The easier solution is for the NL to adopt it.

[EdTarbusz]

I also feel that NL managers earn their paychecks more when it comes to in-game strategies and decisions.

I disagree with this. Thirty years ago it may have been true, but with the way the bullpens are utilizied now I doubt if their is much difference in AL and NL style mananging.

[Bulldog19]

I disagree with this. Thirty years ago it may have been true, but with the way the bullpens are utilizied now I doubt if their is much difference in AL and NL style mananging.

When was the last time you saw an AL manager make a double switch?

[SamtheBravesFan]

At this point, I don't give a flip about what is supposed to be "traditional" in baseball. Traditions sometimes change, and the DH is almost 40 years old.

Either keep the arrangement the way it is, or have the NL adopt the DH. Both situations are a-ok with me.

[UnderPressure]

I disagree with this. Thirty years ago it may have been true, but with the way the bullpens are utilizied now I doubt if their is much difference in AL and NL style mananging.

It will always be different no matter what. An AL manager never has to worry about the next inning they'll hit. He doesn't have to think if he'll just waste a pitcher for one batter. Or if he wants to take his starting pitcher out when his team is leading 2-1 in the 7th inning and his pitcher is up to bat next with 2 runners on with 2 outs.

[StanTheMan]

I disagree with this. Thirty years ago it may have been true, but with the way the bullpens are utilizied now I doubt if their is much difference in AL and NL style mananging.

With the way bullpens are utilized now (or... Fewer starters going deep into games) the NL manager has to make MORE decisions than ever before in the NL, and of course significantly more than the AL.

Not less.

If you don't think there is a difference, look up future HOF'er Tony Larussa's comments about taking WEEKS (or was it months?) to adapt.

[StanTheMan]

When was the last time you saw an AL manager make a double switch?

Or keep a P in one batter too long because the P spot is up next inning?
Or not have the teams' best PH available in the 8th/9th because he used him earlier when the starter faltered?
Or NOT be able to at the lefty/righty matchup because of the P spot batting
Or make a defensive change, much less, say, three in one game
Or reach deep onto the bench for these players

It goes on and on...


Down with two sets of rules!!!! Just have 1. NL rules and 2. AL rules. I'm not a LOL guy but that's classic...