28 Oct 07
Originally posted by PhlabibitI don't get the idea of using the pitcher to hit, whats the purpose?
There is talk on my local sports radio saying the NL should switch over to using the DH. I personally like watching a pitcher hit, but it's almost a guaranteed out.
Any NL fans out there have thoughts, or anyone?
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29 Oct 07
Originally posted by PhlabibitI like making the pitchers hit. Maybe they aren't the best with the bat, but it often keeps small-ball alive at the bottom of the order if they're any good at bunting. Some pitchers actually enjoy swinging, and I always liked watching the Atlanta Braves pitchers Maddux, Smoltz, and Glavine (who had a challenge among themselves as who was the best batter) go to the plate and work to get on base.
There is talk on my local sports radio saying the NL should switch over to using the DH. I personally like watching a pitcher hit, but it's almost a guaranteed out.
Any NL fans out there have thoughts, or anyone?
P-
I like bunts and knuckleballs.
IRNG 40
29 Oct 07
Originally posted by PhlabibitI wish the American league would get rid of the DH. National league games have way more strategy involved in the late innings and it makes the game more interesting.
There is talk on my local sports radio saying the NL should switch over to using the DH. I personally like watching a pitcher hit, but it's almost a guaranteed out.
Any NL fans out there have thoughts, or anyone?
P-
29 Oct 07
Originally posted by PhlabibitPersonally, If it was up to me, I would have the AL drop the Designated Hitter. Having the pitcher bat adds another element of strategy to the game. This is the reason the #8 hitter is so important in the NL, he needs to get on so the pitcher doesn't lead off. Also, I dislike the idea of a DH in general. Why should there be one batter who doesn't have to play the field? As someone else in this thread said, you might as well have 9 batters who don't play the field. Make it like football where the defense and offense are totally different.
There is talk on my local sports radio saying the NL should switch over to using the DH. I personally like watching a pitcher hit, but it's almost a guaranteed out.
Any NL fans out there have thoughts, or anyone?
P-
30 Oct 07
Originally posted by ArachnarchistAbsolutely agree - I think you either have two teams - offense and defense, or you use the NL rules and have the pitcher hit - no DH. I don't know a great deal about the game, catching what I can late at night here in the UK, but I see more interesting situations come about with NL rules whether it be with the pitcher pulling of a great hit (as in the WS this year) or the substitution strategy to bring in a pinch hitter.
Personally, If it was up to me, I would have the AL drop the Designated Hitter. Having the pitcher bat adds another element of strategy to the game. This is the reason the #8 hitter is so important in the NL, he needs to get on so the pitcher doesn't lead off. Also, I dislike the idea of a DH in general. Why should there be one batter who doesn't h ...[text shortened]... t play the field. Make it like football where the defense and offense are totally different.
More than that though, I like the fact that the NL and the AL have different rules as it spices up the WS for a simpleton like me...
30 Oct 07
The only real advantages I can see to having Designated hitters is the ability as a fan to have a better chance to see more balls in play. It allows a Pitcher who is the most active in the game to get a little bit more rest after standing out on the mound in between innings and reduce the possibility of injury to the players that are the hardest and usually the most expensive to replace if lost for the season. One other advantage in the specialty player is longevity for some of the older star players who can still hit but no longer has the ability to field the ball as well. Or allowing a young player that can swing a great bat a chance into the league he might not have otherwise. I have a feeling It's a debate that is going to continue in base ball because it is a part of history now and both ways work and both ways ad to the pleasure of the sport in some way. Part of the pleasure is the debate.
04 Nov 07
Originally posted by PhlabibitThere are few pitchers out there who can hit. The Tulane Bomber in Arizona is frequently used as a pinch hitter and is actually a better power hitter than 4 of their regular hitters. But, overall, you are correct, pitchers are not very good hitters. That is why the NL managers have alot more strategy to deal with regarding the pitchers and hitting for them. It also accounts for the reason that ERA's are lower in the NL. As a former pitcher, I didn't particularly care for the DH because I liked to hit and because I liked to coast through the lower half of the opposing batting order. But, there were times that I admit having enjoyed the luxury of the DH on those 100 degree afternoons against strong teams where not having to deal with hitting or running the bases allowed me to conserve some energy and have some juice left in the tank for the final inning or two. I think the major proponent of the DH are whether you prefer more offense in a game, or if you prefer a lower scoring game dominated by pitching and defense. The other difference would be managerial moves and tactics. I prefer a brilliant 1-0 or 2-1 game more than 11-8 slugfests, but that is just my preference.
There is talk on my local sports radio saying the NL should switch over to using the DH. I personally like watching a pitcher hit, but it's almost a guaranteed out.
Any NL fans out there have thoughts, or anyone?
P-
04 Nov 07
Originally posted by ArachnarchistTake a look at what Tony LaRussa is playing with though. He likes to bat the pitcher 8th. Now thnk about that #9 hitter as a leadoff hitter followed by your #1 hitter and he has created the semblence of to long inning possibilities bunched around an out. Interesting concept. I am not sure it will revolutionize the game, but it is fresh, and it has seemed to work for him.
Personally, If it was up to me, I would have the AL drop the Designated Hitter. Having the pitcher bat adds another element of strategy to the game. This is the reason the #8 hitter is so important in the NL, he needs to get on so the pitcher doesn't lead off. Also, I dislike the idea of a DH in general. Why should there be one batter who doesn't h ...[text shortened]... t play the field. Make it like football where the defense and offense are totally different.
05 Nov 07
Originally posted by PhlabibitIts been voted on by the owners a few times. I think it just missed by 2 votes last time. It will probably happen within the next 5 to 10 years
There is talk on my local sports radio saying the NL should switch over to using the DH. I personally like watching a pitcher hit, but it's almost a guaranteed out.
Any NL fans out there have thoughts, or anyone?
P-
06 Nov 07
Originally posted by ChrisIn principal I'm against the DH.
Absolutely agree - I think you either have two teams - offense and defense, or you use the NL rules and have the pitcher hit - no DH. I don't know a great deal about the game, catching what I can late at night here in the UK, but I see more interesting situations come about with NL rules whether it be with the pitcher pulling of a great hit (as in the WS this ...[text shortened]... t that the NL and the AL have different rules as it spices up the WS for a simpleton like me...
I think that the bigger issue is that the NL seems to be at a decided disadvantage in the World Series because they usually don't have a DH ready to play that position.
06 Nov 07
Originally posted by Red NightThey will not drop the DH, it will be much more likely be part of the NL soon.
In principal I'm against the DH.
I think that the bigger issue is that the NL seems to be at a decided disadvantage in the World Series because they usually don't have a DH ready to play that position.
The only thing I will miss about pitchers batting is laughing my a$$ of at watching them try to bunt, its almost like they never learned.