Is the DH Overpaid- Wall Street Journal

[Rich Klein]

Please move this to the cooler talk section; that's why we have that section.

This is not worth keeping on this board!

Regards
Rich

[Jim VB]

Originally Posted by Rich Klein

Please move this to the cooler talk section; that's why we have that section.

This is not worth keeping on this board!

Regards
Rich

LOL! Oooh, you're gonna get a death threat email!

[Irwin Fletcher]

dstudeba,

It's different because the author's assertion, based on the salary figures relative to WAR, is: "don't blow your cash on designated hitters."

Let's say the average position player costs $1M per WAR. A DH may cost $2M per WAR on average because they do not make a contribution defensively. So you're a GM and you decide to splurge and spend $8M on a DH, which gets you 4 WAR.

On the other hand, if you follow the author's advice and "don't blow your cash" on a DH and spend only $2M, that would get you (in this hypothetical league) only 1 WAR.

The difference between these two DHs could make the difference between going to the postseaon or not.

It is a fact of life that you need a DH in the AL; every AL team must pencil in a player in that position every day. If you decide to use your AAA first basemen in that spot because, as the authors suggests, you shouldn't "overpay" for a DH, you are compromising your competitiveness. So, in a lot of ways, it does make sense to spend on a good DH.

And I agree that this belongs in the Water Cooler section. How do you move a thread?

[dstudeba]

Originally Posted by Irwin Fletcher

It is a fact of life that you need a DH in the AL; every AL team must pencil in a player in that position every day. If you decide to use your AAA first basemen in that spot because, as the authors suggests, you shouldn't "overpay" for a DH, you are compromising your competitiveness. So, in a lot of ways, it does make sense to spend on a good DH.

It is a fact of life that you need a DH in the AL, not that you have to overpay for it. If you pay less for a DH, it compromises your competitiveness at that position, but you can now use the money more effectively in another position which according to the author will raise your team competitiveness.

[Jim VB]

First off, I don't care what any team pays any player. However I have always thought teams emphasized the wrong qualities when selecting a DH. I hate the Jason Giambi/David Ortiz type of one-dimensional player (hit with power). Hitting 30 HR's while batting .240 with 180 strikeouts shouldn't be good enough.

As opposed to a five-tool player these guys are one-tool players (hit with power). Even with two bad knees, Matsui was at least a two-tool player for the Yankees (and you could argue that he's smart enough to add baserunning in to the mix, even though he's slowed by injury.)

If you use that five-tool analogy for superstardom, then the star DH should be a three-tool guy every time.

[Leon]

Originally Posted by Rich Klein

Please move this to the cooler talk section; that's why we have that section.

This is not worth keeping on this board!

Regards
Rich

Rich, gotcha covered. A little bit of off topic is fine on the main board, for everyday contributors. This could be an interesting discussion. best regards

p.s.....death threat sent (j/k)

[timzcardz]

Personally, I have a hard time taking seriously anything that is written that includes the phrase "just $4.66 million."

Since when did "$4.66 million" become "just," especially when talking about a salary?

[Jim VB]

Originally Posted by Leon

p.s.....death threat sent (j/k)

It just doesn't carry the same weight coming from you, Leon.

[Rich Klein]

As he KNOWS where I live

Regards
Rich

[teetwoohsix]

At first,I was real excited when the Dodger's picked up Jim Thome as a DH,even though it was so late in the season-I thought this may catapult the Dodgers into final victory.By no means would I take away anything from Big Jim,for he is an awesome powerhouse hitter by any means,but when it came down to the wire-nothing worth mentioning.I can't remember what they are paying him-probably way more than they should've......................

[Jim VB]

Originally Posted by teetwoohsix

At first,I was real excited when the Dodger's picked up Jim Thome as a DH,even though it was so late in the season-I thought this may catapult the Dodgers into final victory.By no means would I take away anything from Big Jim,for he is an awesome powerhouse hitter by any means,but when it came down to the wire-nothing worth mentioning.I can't remember what they are paying him-probably way more than they should've......................

National League teams should probably avoid picking up DH's, at any point in the season.

[teetwoohsix]

You are correct JimVB,and even my wife said"Clayton,we only use a DH in the playoffs........"What do I know anyways.....................