What do you think of the designated hitter rule?

Question

I, for one, think they should go back to old time ball and make everybody hit for themselves. And to keep on that same note, do you think that a DH could/should ever win the MVP award? And while I'm on a rant-why do they let colleges use metal bats? Not much bothers me more than that "ping" instead of the crack of a REAL bat.

I agree, if high school pitchers must bat, then why are these pros only playing half of the game...once every 5th game?
And as far as cost is concerned, do you think bats are that much of a cost to the University? I almost guarantee that they get all new bats every season.

Answer 1

I grew up playing Little League, Pony League and HS baseball. The DH rule sucked when it was invoked and it still sux. I still believe you are supposed to earn your ups. A pitcher who can't or won't hit is not a complete ball player and a hitter who can't or won't play the field will never be in contention for a gold glove.
My last year of HS was when metal bats were introduced as optional for HS players. Now, they are mandatory at HS and NCAA. Makes it sound like Japanese baseball. Nothing sounds like well placed ash wood on horseass.

Answer 2

The DH - Everybody should hit for themselves. The strategy and in-game decisions that need to be employed because of weaker hitting players (such as pitchers) are part of what makes the game interesting. The DH is playing to the lowest common denominator by being an unveiled attempt to create higher scoring games. That said, as long as there is a DH then a DH is certainly eligible to win MVP. There have been plenty of MVPs who were absolute calamities in the field to the degree that their teams would have been better off if they could have been DHs. The point being that just because a player is out in the field it doesn't mean that he is "valuable" defensively.

Metal Bats - They shouldn't allow it. Moving to wooden bats would decrease the chance of injury. But then we'd all have to be willing to accept that there would be far fewer homeruns and offense in general would decrease as many players don't have the strength at that age to generate enough bat speed with the heavier wooden bats. Unfortunately at the lower levels, like HS and Little League/Babe Ruth the players need the lighter bats. So it's really just a question of when you force players to make the transition from metal to wood.

Answer 3

To win the MVP a DH would have to have a mighty season with the bat. Numbers that A-Rod is putting up this year would qualify a DH to win an MVP award. David Ortiz is the only DH that could come close to winning an MVP because of how often he comes up with the big, or game winning, hit for the Sox.

I like the DH rule, it adds something different to the American League and distinguishes the two leagues. It is always facinating to see NL teams come up against AL teams and whether small ball can compete with the long ball.

As for metal bats, I would say that it is a financial issue. Metal bats last a lot longer than wooden ones and will be a lot cheaper over the course of a season.

Answer 4

DIslike the DH. It really takes away from the managerial part of the game, since you never have to decide to hit for the pitcher. Also, it makes little logical sense. Why not DH for catchers? Most of them can't hit either.

Lastly, it allows players that aren't good enough to field, which is half of the game, still play. At this level if you can't field, you should not be in the game.
The only thing admirable about the DH is that it does extend the careers of guys who have been injured and can't run anymore. Without the DH, I never would have seen Yaz play since he would have retired long before. That is a nice benefit for the fan.

As to the MVP, DH's should be eligible since they do play. If as a league you've decided to allow DH's, it is only fair to make them eligible for awards.
However, DH's should be held to a much higher standard, and really should almost have to win the Triple Crown to have a shot at the award.

REgardless, the DH is here to stay. The player's union will never let it fade away.

Colleges will be switching to wood bats. Just give it some time. As players continue to get bigger and stronger, aluminum bats will become too dangerous.

Answer 5

While I hate the loss of strategy (i.e., the "double switch"), and reliance on a good bench, the DH rule has kept some of the most exciting players in the game. The rule should be changed though... the DH should be for any position player BUT the pitcher. This would encourage clubs to carrry defensive specialists and improve the overall quality of the game.

Answer 6

The worst thing about the DH rule is the DH courage it gives the pitchers. they can throw at batters, knowing they don't have to step into the batters box themselves. Someone else pays for their indiscretions. When Pedro played for the soxs, he was the most feared headhunter in the game. (They seem to grow them in Boston, don't they.) He calmed right down when he went to the Mets. Also, in my opinion, metal bats are for softball.

Answer 7

The DH rule is a bunch of crap!! and the american league pitchers are a bunch of sally's! Batting is a part of baseball, and everyone should do it!

Answer 8

I am a National League guy so I don't like the DH. But I also don't like an owner acting as commissioner in baseball. That like OJ being a judge...

Answer 9

Yeah Ball Coach preach on. I agree with you. You said it coach!

Answer 10

Preach on!