August 07, 2008
Changing the DH Rule
Tangotiger has an interesting idea for deciding when to use the designated hitter; let the home manager decide:
The one being proposed would be somewhat similar in that we expect half the games to have the DH rule in effect. Plus, it adds great strategy (should we force Ortiz to play the field? do we want a DH if Owings is pitching?). It has story potential ("We should have forced them to have a DH and put a better fielder at 1B!"). As I see it, no downside.
My guess is that eventually, all teams would develop a designated hitter, and would use it most of the time. Also, managers would think, "It's easier to manage with the DH, so I'll just use it," rather than really thinking through the strategic implications.
Posted by David Pinto at
05:21 PM
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If the DH ever enters the NL, I'd feel like Brooklyn Dodger fans felt on October 8, 1957.
If there is a God, the NL will never adopt the DH. That's why the NL probably will adopt it someday.
Interesting idea, nevertheless, about turning it into a strategic decision for the home manager. My guess is that 90% of the time managers would opt for the DH--makes their jobs easier, doesn't expose their pitchers to injury while hitting or on the bases, etc.
