Thoughts on the DH

bigpapiMA32 · Apr 9, 2012

With the game (very) slowly moving towards a salary cap, the expanded playoffs, and the Astros moving to the AL next year, it would seem to be the case that the game is progressing towards having equal opportunities for all teams in a number of senses. That being said, one of the biggest inequalities is that of the designated hitter. The DH hasn't been talked about much lately, but it wouldn't surprise me if it became a hot topic in the next few years.

If something is to be done, there would seem to be two possible solutions: add the DH in the NL, or remove the DH from the NL. Personally, I believe the DH will be instigated in the NL:
1. Offense fills seats
2. MLBPA gains increased $$
3. If you are going to take away the DH in the AL, you couldn't do it until at least the 2022 season. With Pujols and Fielder on 10 and 9 year contracts, respectively, Angels and Tigers management could claim they envisioned these players being DHs over the last several years of their deals.

Any other thoughts on the future of the DH in baseball?

wolfmanalfredo · Apr 9, 2012

NL will fight it tooth and nail. Don't know if it will ever happen. It's good for baseball to have the DH. Gives you more options when players are injured, and can help keep pitchers focused on pitching

Erich · Apr 9, 2012

I really dislike the DH and hope they do away with it. I don't like the idea of a professional hitter.

ral72 · Apr 9, 2012

I detest the DH. Bunch of freakin' fat loads that should have already been retired, but able to pad their HR numbers even though they can barely run to first base.

Huffamaniac · Apr 9, 2012

Vlad, Matsui and Damon would have a job if the NL had a DH.

I do not think the NL will ever have a DH though

thegreathambino · Apr 9, 2012

DH is so dumb. 9 play the field, 9 hit. Baseball isn't just hitting, its fielding too. Baseball isn't supposed to be easy, especially being a pitcher. Thats why they get paid the big bucks.

wildcat4 · Apr 9, 2012

Baseball with a designated hitter is not real baseball.

ThoseBackPages · Apr 9, 2012

it sucks

sheetskout · Apr 9, 2012

I am glad the DH is in the American League and not in the NL. This difference offers very interesting storylines in the World Series (David Ortiz).

matty07 · Apr 9, 2012

Where did you hear this "very slowly" having a salary cap?

vwnut13 · Apr 9, 2012

matty07 said:
Where did you hear this "very slowly" having a salary cap?

The new CBA is essentially a Salary Cap.

elmalo · Apr 9, 2012

Hopefully soon the N.L will join the 21st century and implement the DH. Game is more exciting with the DH. Pitchers are paid to pitch, not hit. Im not one to romanticize or be a purist, the game is constantly changing. That would be a good change.

thefatguy · Apr 9, 2012

elmalo said:
Hopefully soon the N.L will join the 21st century and implement the DH. Game is more exciting with the DH. Pitchers are paid to pitch, not hit. Im not one to romanticize or be a purist, the game is constantly changing. That would be a good change.

+1,000,000

I hate the bottom of the order K. A pitcher than can hit is rare, you endanger him while he's batting/running.

But it defines the leagues. Leave it as it is.

Mighty Bombjack · Apr 9, 2012

I hate to say it, but with every-day interleague play starting next season, the DH will most likely be in both leagues within ten years. Ugh.

I like an idea that I read somewhere (in the comments under Verducci's article on this?) that instead of having a DH in AL parks and a batting pitcher in NL parks during interleague play, it should reverse so that home fans can see the other league's style of play. Interesting notion.

uniquebaseballcards · Apr 9, 2012

Its fitting that half the leagues have it because half the people like it and half the people don't. The way the DH is in the MLB is exactly right, its an excellent compromise.

bigpapiMA32 · Apr 10, 2012

A lot of very interesting (and different) views here. I'm pretty surprised that more than half think it will never happen. Personally I like having the DH in the AL and not in the NL, but I'm just not convinced it will stay that way for too long.

Just one bump.

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Thoughts on the DH

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