OT: Will the NL adopt the DH soon?

[Bigdaddy]

Originally Posted by KCRfan1

Maybe they should learn to hit to the opposite field instead of bellyaching about it.

One word, three letters: E-G-O. Can you see Bryce Harper giving in to the shift and laying a bunt down the third base line instead of trying to punch one through the right side?? I agree with KCR.

And as far as the union goes, I would imagine that the average salary for a DH is higher than that of the last man off the bench who is used to pinch hit. A lot of the DHs are higher paid veterans who can't field a lick, but can still hit the big fly.

Like it or not (and generally I'm against the DH), the NL is the last holdout in the universe that has not embraced the DH. Any change going forward will be the NL letting go and joining all the other baseball leagues in existence. Not the other way around.

ps. One good thing about the DH at younger levels is that it gets one more kid off the bench and on the field in a game. Yes, their PT is limited, but their name is in the lineup.

[packs]

Originally Posted by Bigdaddy

One word, three letters: E-G-O. Can you see Bryce Harper giving in to the shift and laying a bunt down the third base line instead of trying to punch one through the right side?? I agree with KCR.

And as far as the union goes, I would imagine that the average salary for a DH is higher than that of the last man off the bench who is used to pinch hit. A lot of the DHs are higher paid veterans who can't field a lick, but can still hit the big fly.

Like it or not (and generally I'm against the DH), the NL is the last holdout in the universe that has not embraced the DH. Any change going forward will be the NL letting go and joining all the other baseball leagues in existence. Not the other way around.

ps. One good thing about the DH at younger levels is that it gets one more kid off the bench and on the field in a game. Yes, their PT is limited, but their name is in the lineup.

That's assuming a lot. What if the last guy cut is in the bullpen? I don't see the union being in favor of prospective salary over salary that exists. Just seems like they're advocating for someone losing their job. I'm not saying the times don't change, just that it's an unusual thing for the union to support.

[MartyFromCANADA]

The strategy argument is complete BS. 99% of the time, the pinch hitter is a better batter than the pitcher. So if it seems the pitcher is weakening, you pinch hit, and if the pitcher is dominating, he stays in. NO strategy there. And the double-switch, really.

I look at it this way: If a position player is out a few games, clubs send him to the minors to get in a few AB's. If this is the case, all NL starting pitchers should be sent to their minor league clubs to see live pitching on their days off.

The game is too specialized, and watching a pitcher's at bat is one of the worst, and most embarrassing parts of baseball. The only players who truly like this archaic rule are the NL starters themselves. (for easy outs)

LONG LIVE THE DH!

[Tabe]

I'm in favor of most of these rules. Pitch clocks? Yes, please. Reducing pitching changes by having a minimum number of batters faced? Yes, please. One rule for DH, even if it's not the one I want? Yes, please. Draft penalties for teams that intentionally tank and don't spend money? Yes, please.

[packs]

I find the minimum batters faced rule counter intuitive to the union's cause too. There are lefty's who make their living pitching to one guy. If you force that guy to pitch to 3 batters, it should be assumed effectiveness will drop and that guy will probably be out of a job.

It also seems silly to me that baseball, a sport without a game clock, would be so concerned with a fictional game clock.

[Peter_Spaeth]

How about 5 or 6 foul balls and you're out? To a point it makes for good drama with a batter battling a pitcher, but past that point it's just trying to increase pitch counts and the delay is annoying.

[icollectDCsports]

When I go to a ballgame or watch one on TV, I do not want anything to do with watching a pitch clock -- or even just knowing in my mind that one is ticking. It's just so contrary to the essence of the game, in my opinion.

[insidethewrapper]

Baseball rules are interesting. It's the pitchers advantage for the first 2 foul balls ( called strikes) and then it's the batters advantage the rest of the way ( 10+) foul balls. Unless you foul a bunt, and then it is a strike 3. Strange.

Speed of game ( time) would be solved if the batter had to stay in the batter's box and not adjust his batting gloves after every pitch. They foul a ball and walk 5-10 feet from the plate. 300 pitches a game ( save 3 sec ea) that's 900 sec. or 15 minutes and I think most would be happy with a 2hr-45min game.