Should the NL adopt the DH rule ?

Answer 1

I know this will get me a bunch of thumbs down, but I'll go ahead and be the first to say yes, the NL should adopt the DH.

First off, the argument about the NL playing the game "the way it was meant to be played" is illogical. If that's the case, then should nothing ever change? You know, when they started back in the 1870s, there was little or nothing in the way of gloves, the same ball was used for the whole game, and bats weren't made from the finest ash you could find. Should we go back to that? Or maybe we should get rid of black players, too, we're at it? The "purist" argument is hogwash.

As for strategy, which is another argument made by non-DH fans - how much strategy is really involved? You either have your pitcher swing away, bunt over a runner, or pinch-hit for him. And if you're in a low-scoring contest late where you're forced to pinch-hit, well, that just takes away from the game for fans, who lose out on seeing a pitcher doing well. By having a DH, you're taking away an easy out and forcing the defensive team into a much tougher strategy, since they're not being handed four easy outs per game.

Finally, I'll address the other argument made by some on here, that we should let some pitchers hit because they're "good hitters." I saw the example of Greg Maddux above, and I'm wondering how someone can say that a player with a .174 average and .194 OBP is a hitter. Even guys we see hitting on the highlights are still generally very poor hitters, like Zambrano (.215) or Mike Hampton (.242). They hit well for pitchers, but they're still not good hitters.

Pitchers are paid to pitch, and hitters are paid to hit. The only valid argument against the DH is that they don't play the field, but the defensive value of a player, by any statistical measure, is nowhere close to the offensive value.

Answer 2

No. The NL didn't want the DH when the AL decided to create a totally useless position. Having a DH changes the nature of the game. A guy only swings his bat 4 times a game.That means a mediocre defensive player can go to the AL and shine because all he is required to do is hit. In the NL, with the pitcher having to bat, that makes the game more strategic. A manager has to decide when to pinch hit, when to pinch run, when to bunt, when to let the pitcher swing at it, etc. Thats why the AL teams almost always hit more HR's than the Senior Circuit. They have an extra 30-40 HR's in their lineup than the NL.

Answer 3

No the NL should not adopt the DH rule. Players have to do both their strength and weakness in the field and at bat.

Answer 4

The DH rule is simply a dumb rule. Are you a baseball player if you don't play the entire game?

AL Pitchers make over 10 million a season and don't have to swing a bat? How fair is that?!?

The way I see it, ditch the DH rule. Pitchers hit in the world series... so the AL immediately has a disadvantage. You would think they would want their pitchers to hit all year preparing.

Answer 5

DH is a stupid rule. I dont like the fact that someone on the field can't hit or someone hitting is not allowed to field. If that's the case, why not make lineups with 10 men with the pitcher hitting for himself and the DH just another position in the lineup

Answer 6

I think they should. The NL is so boring to watch and is it any wonder that year after year the AL beats the NL in the World Series?

Watching the pitcher bat would be like watching a punter play quarterback in football, totally boring and is basically a guaranteed 4 outs per game.

Answer 7

no, I like the extra strategy involved in the coach having to choose between letting your pitcher bat and keep pitching or pinch hitting and bringing in a reliever. besides, it can make for an interesting game. The Reds walked a batter with two outs to get to the Brewers pitcher Dave Bush, who then hit a two RBI double instead of striking out like the Reds expected.

Answer 8

No never, all the DH does is extend the careers of players who can't play the field.

Answer 9

Heavens, no!
The AL should drop it. Every professional baseball league at every level should. If you're good enough to be a pro, you're good enough to play a position AND stand in to hit. The DH is bush league, amateurish, and a part-time gig. It has no place in the pro arena.

Answer 10

No, the American league should abolish the DH rule.