This thread was inspired by a few posts in the Indians/Cardinals thread, but I had read an article recently on the future of baseball, and the topic was fresh on my mind already.

What are your thoughts on the DH? I've been pretty heavily in favor of the NL adopting the DH for years now, as I think they are at a disadvantage as a league vs the AL in the ability to hang on to aging sluggers that have no business putting on a glove.

NL should adopt the DH. We will also see a subsequent small spike in NL pitcher's ERA's.

I voted adopt the DH in the NL

I voted to eliminate with the knowledge that it's the all but impossible option.

I think it should be eliminated but like QCB I don't think that will ever happen. 

Long time advocate of eliminate. 

(Also believe it will never happen, though)

Eliminating it is good in theory, but the players union would never go for it. As such, adopting in the NL makes the most sense going forward, IMO.

I love the DH and hate when a pitcher bats. It is a wasted at bat more often than not. 

There was a Ringer piece last week backing up pitching BAs have dropped. 

https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2018/6/7/17437016/national-league-pitcher-hitting-dh

Also, as more and more pitchers become specialized and with more bullpen duties, it can just delay the game more and more with double switches and changes. 

I like the game and the strategy. I voted to keep as is. I do see something being changed in the next 5-10 years.

posted by Ironman92

I like the game and the strategy. I voted to keep as is. I do see something being changed in the next 5-10 years.

My wife has this view and we get into arguments all the time at baseball games. She is more old school and loves the pitcher hitting. When we head to a Nats game and a pitcher gets a hit or a good bunt down to advance the runner she yells, "seeee....."

I just still see the pitcher as a wasted at bat, especially if a man is on base with two outs. 

posted by ptown_trojans_1

I love the DH and hate when a pitcher bats. It is a wasted at bat more often than not. 

There was a Ringer piece last week backing up pitching BAs have dropped. 

https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2018/6/7/17437016/national-league-pitcher-hitting-dh

Also, as more and more pitchers become specialized and with more bullpen duties, it can just delay the game more and more with double switches and changes. 

This, I hate watching interleague play with the Tribe and I hate when people try to say the NL game is better, because of "strategy."  Also, as you mentioned it makes the game last much longer.  You can pretty much pencil in an easy out every 9 at bats.  Very complex strategy!

posted by ptown_trojans_1

My wife has this view and we get into arguments all the time at baseball games. She is more old school and loves the pitcher hitting. When we head to a Nats game and a pitcher gets a hit or a good bunt down to advance the runner she yells, "seeee....."

I just still see the pitcher as a wasted at bat, especially if a man is on base with two outs. 

See.....

https://ftw.usatoday.com/2018/06/see-reds-pitcher-anthony-desclafani-hit-historic-grand-slam-vs-cubs

posted by ptown_trojans_1

My wife has this view and we get into arguments all the time at baseball games. She is more old school and loves the pitcher hitting. When we head to a Nats game and a pitcher gets a hit or a good bunt down to advance the runner she yells, "seeee....."

I just still see the pitcher as a wasted at bat, especially if a man is on base with two outs. 

sounds similar to the discussion I have with my son-in-law periodically...he being a Pirates (and NL) fan, and truly a purist, when it comes to baseball

Eliminate

Just an article with points on both side. Not a great article but anyways.

https://jugssports.com/is-it-time-to-get-rid-of-the-designated-hitter%E2%80%A6or-expand-it-to-the-national-league

There is definitely more strategie and decisions to be made in the NL. I love baseball and am happy to watch both ways.

I voted to eliminate, but it's mainly bc I hate seeing fat slobs like David Ortiz trout out there like an athlete. I do agree with like_that's point about an easy out every 9 at bats, but I don't get why pitchers can't just be better at hitting. End of the day AL & NL should be the same.

I'm surprised that there is much more support for elimination than I thought. 

posted by BRF

I'm surprised that there is much more support for elimination than I thought. 

damn liberals ;}

posted by Commander of Awesome

I voted to eliminate, but it's mainly bc I hate seeing fat slobs like David Ortiz trout out there like an athlete. I do agree with like_that's point about an easy out every 9 at bats, but I don't get why pitchers can't just be better at hitting. End of the day AL & NL should be the same.

Ortiz may be fat, but he could hit.

His final season (age 40) he lead the league in 2B, RBI, SLG, OPS, and IBB. Not bad for a fat slob.

Voted for NL to adopt DH. I love the game of baseball and can see arguments for both sides of this debate.Adopting the DH seems to be the most viable and reasonable solution.

posted by justincredible

Ortiz may be fat, but he could hit.

His final season (age 40) he lead the league in 2B, RBI, SLG, OPS, and IBB. Not bad for a fat slob.

PWN3D

posted by justincredible

Ortiz may be fat, but he could hit.

His final season (age 40) he lead the league in 2B, RBI, SLG, OPS, and IBB. Not bad for a fat slob.

You should know as well as anybody what a bad stat the RBI is.

I also know that Ortiz is a known cheater and should have been banned from baseball. Make him play some defense and his value diminishes very quickly.

posted by Commander of Awesome

You should know as well as anybody what a bad stat the RBI is.

I also know that Ortiz is a known cheater and should have been banned from baseball. Make him play some defense and his value diminishes very quickly.

I agree that RBI is overrated, though leading the league is still an accomplishment.

I have no strong feelings on the PED issue either way, but certainly agree that his defense would partially negate his offensive value. That said, it's why I believe the NL should adopt it, because they are missing out on guys like Ortiz that can still add a ton of offensive value but not much else.

Adopt. Pitchers batting is so damn dumb.

posted by Commander of Awesome

I voted to eliminate, but it's mainly bc I hate seeing fat slobs like David Ortiz trout out there like an athlete. I do agree with like_that's point about an easy out every 9 at bats, but I don't get why pitchers can't just be better at hitting. End of the day AL & NL should be the same.

They used to be better, back in the good ole days :)

I have Tommy Bond on my fantasy team; he went 4 for 4 with 3 RBI the other day, now hitting .243

posted by Commander of Awesome

I voted to eliminate, but it's mainly bc I hate seeing fat slobs like David Ortiz trout out there like an athlete. I do agree with like_that's point about an easy out every 9 at bats, but I don't get why pitchers can't just be better at hitting. End of the day AL & NL should be the same.

There are also a decent chunk of fat slob pitchers.  At least let's watch the fat slobs who can hit.

posted by justincredible

Ortiz may be fat, but he could hit.

His final season (age 40) he lead the league in 2B, RBI, SLG, OPS, and IBB. Not bad for a fat slob.

Roids.