The AL has a bunch of cheaters. When I was in college, I didn't have a Designated Test Taker. That would just be ludicrous. The only reason the DH was invented was to increase offensive output in the AL. Do we really need that today? Offensive production is at an all time high. I say get rid of the DH. It makes the game more interesting. More strategy is involved without a DH. Pitchers should hit for themselves.
2006-08-09 03:05:24 · 14 answers · asked by Badger5678 2 in Sports ➔ Baseball
First off, there is NOT more strategy involved in the NL. Unfortunately, 20+ years of analysts spouting that kind of nonsense has convinced too many people. Yes, the NL has lots of decisions as to whether to pinch-hit for the pitcher, or to make double switches, but it has become a by-the-numbers thing with little strategy involved. I believe that there's much more strategy in managing an American League pitching staff, when you have to pitch to 9 hitters, instead of 8 hitters and an automatic out.
Also regarding strategy - how much strategy is really involved when a pitcher is at bat? If the bases are empty, he swings away and usually makes an out. If there's a man on with less than two out, he tries to bunt him over. And if there are two outs, he tries to drive him in. Ooooh, how strategic! Seriously, there's a lot more involved with even a weak #9 hitter in the AL, who is still going to be a better hitter than any pitcher.
As a fan, I also believe that needing your pitcher to hit can take away from a good pitcher's duel. For example, in a late, close game, a guy who has thrown 7 strong innings might be lifted for a pinch-hitter because the manager is trying desperately to score the run that makes the difference. I'd rather have a hitter up there in any situation, leaving the pitcher to continue his great game. I believe that having a guy hitting .150 up there every ninth time in the order is much more of an abomination towards the game than is the DH rule.
I do understand that the DH was created in order to boost offense, and that they've definitely accomplished that. However, it's obvious that most fans love a ton of offense, and I think baseball would be unwise to get rid of something that contributes to scoring in their game (not to mention the reaction of the Players' Union).
The DH should stay in the game. It adds offense, it takes away an almost-automatic out every time through the order, and it leaves the pitchers to do their job without having to worry about being pulled for a pinch-hitter. It was a great idea when it was instituted, and it has made the game better.
One other thing, too - For those who argue that the DH means it isn't "real baseball," should we also go back to playing without gloves? Or maybe it should take 9 balls to walk a batter? The arguments about the "purity of the game" and similar stances are just silly.
2006-08-09 03:17:40 · answer #1 · answered by Craig S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, I think the NL should adopt the DH
- I know the double switch is thrilling, but come on :)
- With the exception of Dontrelle Willis and a few other pitchers,it's an automatic out and a cop-out strategy.
- People want to see more offense
2006-08-09 03:13:17 · answer #2 · answered by B C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You said it best, more strategy is involved without a DH....its a tight game, the pitcher is due up, you could win it if you send in a pinch hitter but your pitcher is doing a fantastic job....do you pinch hit for him or let him bat and hope for the best? You don't get that strategy in the American League - everybody is swinging away - ho hum. There are guys playing in the American League who can't even field and wouldn't be in the majors were it not for their bat. Dump the DH!!!
2006-08-09 09:22:32 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No the AL could keep the DH and the NL could proceed not making use of it. that's extremely the purely element that makes the leagues separate. in the adventure that they were given rid of the DH, why actually have an AL and NL? Plus for followers of an AL team (like me), it makes the interleague video games in June more effective interesting to make certain a pitcher hit and how clueless they seem.
2016-10-15 11:44:29 · answer #4 · answered by malinowski 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's one reason why the AL will NEVER abolish the DH, and that's because the pitchers are too vaulable. Multi-million dollar pitchers who are carrying your team standing in and facing 90 mph fastballs is a recipe for disaster. Frankly, I'm surprised the NL hasn't switched over as well.
2006-08-10 14:47:04 · answer #5 · answered by globesportsorbust 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, don't get rid of it. It distinguishes the AL and the NL. I'm not a fan of Interleague but if there was no DH, then Interleague would be that much more stupid. It's better to see the teams adjust their strategies going to an NL/AL park than for the whole league to be uniform.
2006-08-09 08:16:32 · answer #6 · answered by kenbo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all the DH rule does is allow people who couldn't play the field bat how great is that you have a player on your team only playing 1/16 of the game if that. I vote get rid of it.
2006-08-09 03:36:48 · answer #7 · answered by hair_of_a_dog 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wish they would do that but so many great hitters have made their career out of that, like Edgar Martinez, Frank Thomas, and Future HOF David Ortiz. But if they do that then the Sox will have to sit Youkilis or Ortiz, and that cant happen.
2006-08-09 07:34:29 · answer #8 · answered by twinkieman93 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Why shouldn't pitchers have to bat like everybody else? I agree with everything you said.
2006-08-09 13:26:52 · answer #9 · answered by cooperslassie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It'd be nice if the AL didn't use it all the time, but didn't abolish it. Likewise, it'd be interesting to see it used in the NL here and there.
2006-08-09 03:26:11 · answer #10 · answered by nfaustman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋