DH on the way out?

A rare good column from Phil Rogers explores the possibility that Bud Selig's newly formed rule revision group might lead to the end of the DH rule in the AL. Maybe it's too fantastical a thing to hope for, but it would be great to see the two leagues on equal footing once again - and both playing /real/ baseball.

about 2 years ago cubsforever 29 comments 0 recs |

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If there's no DH

how are we gonna flip Pat Burrell?

Harry Caray: Marshall is going back to LA to get cocaine for his injured foot.
Steve Stone: Harry, that’s Novocaine.

by Julio Zuleta's Voodoo on Dec 16, 2009 8:56 AM CST reply actions

No way

No way the union would allow the DH rule to go away and all DH’s lose their jobs. More likely, it’ll get expanded to the NL.

by ZeoBandit on Dec 16, 2009 9:19 AM CST reply actions

I hope DeRosa gets a huge contract

I hate the DH. It seems that one of the biggest obstacles to removing it is that unions would fight to keep it in so that aging hitters could still sign big contracts. However, I think the game is changing and it is requiring more flexibility within the roster. An older, slow, no-glove DH is not congruent with that line.

Yes, the unions have some power, but if they were to be convinced that in lieu of an aging DH, a super-sub could command contracts on par with some of these DH’s, I think they would be OK with it.

However, the pessimist in me thinks that what will probably happpen is that the DH will be instituted in both leagues. After all, a super-sub can still hit DH.

by jerry morales rules on Dec 16, 2009 9:23 AM CST reply actions

I'm not sure if I get the connection between the removing DHs and supersubs getting paid more

by madcow256 on Dec 16, 2009 10:30 AM CST up reply actions

Roster flexibility

Eliminating the DH will mean that more roster flexibility is needed therefore guys like DeRosa will get paid more. DeRosa’s value goes down in the AL because position switches and substitutions during games is not as prevalant as in the NL.

by jerry morales rules on Dec 16, 2009 11:00 AM CST up reply actions

Makes some sense

I don’t see any easy way for them to eliminate the DH in a timely manner . . . it would seem to me they’d have to phase it out over time to allow for teams locked into contracts with DH-types a chance to adjust for the new rules.

by madcow256 on Dec 16, 2009 12:03 PM CST up reply actions

I think it's a long shot

but one I’ll still be rooting for. I have more belief that it will expand to the NL rather than be eliminated which would be a shame. My love of baseball would take a big hit.

by jerry morales rules on Dec 16, 2009 1:39 PM CST up reply actions

Can't handle Rogers

Where is he coming up with this idea? Nowhere in any press releases does it say that they’re even considering changing anything about the DH. The only mention is TLR’s statement about how he doesn’t like it. This isn’t news or journalism, really—just speculation. Time for a new crop of GOOD Chicago sportswriters to come in. I really only enjoy reading Bruce Miles these days. Sheesh.

"I'm not much of a chemistry guy. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded." -Jim Frey

by lapetino on Dec 16, 2009 9:32 AM CST reply actions

More likely the DH expands....

I tend to agree with Al on this one. I can see the DH being part of the next CBA where the NL would now use it. It is a way of getting more offense, being able to extend ballplayers career, and having pitchers become more specialized in their talent.

Do I agree with it? No. If a pitcher can’t hit, then let’s just trot a machine out there to throw for everyone and we can have scores like a football game 45-42.

That’s not true!!! WHY THE F*CK WOULD YOU SAY THAT YOU AHOLE!! Ok maybe your right but you gotta give a little something here for it to work. I don’t know what I’m going to do this is the worst thing I’ve ever read, this day could not get any worse. Fine, F*ck it, you’re right.

by Ditkavsworld

by gaclaudy on Dec 16, 2009 9:39 AM CST reply actions

Agreed on all points.

"Pounding sand since 1982...."

by cubswynn on Dec 16, 2009 12:10 PM CST up reply actions

Not going to happen

it will likely be in the NL within a decade, probably after the next CBA.

Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."

by DC Cubbie on Dec 16, 2009 10:17 AM CST reply actions

Maybe you make a deal and exchange a 26th roster spot

for the end of the DH?

As it is, teams are starting to go with 13 pitchers (generally with no doubleheaders on the schedule). which leaves you one spare OF, one utility IF, a backup catcher, and maybe a PH specialist like Daryle Ward.

One rule I’d like them to take a look at is requiring pitchers to face *two batters. Or maybe I’ve just seen too much of TLR over the years…

by The Deputy Mayor of Rush Street on Dec 16, 2009 10:19 AM CST reply actions

Why the two batter rule?

Not a fan of LOOGYs, you think it slows the game down too much, or what?

by madcow256 on Dec 16, 2009 10:31 AM CST up reply actions

Mostly the slowing down the game part..

I figure that if you can’t matchup R-R, then L-L, then bring in another righty…

But also you might be able to carry one less pitcher, if the relievers were picked for getting out of an inning, rather than getting past a batter?

It would pretty much eliminate the LOOGY, but the rest of the relievers would have to adapt.

(And come to think of it, you’d have to make it *two batters, or until the end of an inning.)

by The Deputy Mayor of Rush Street on Dec 16, 2009 10:44 AM CST up reply actions

I'm also in favor of a faster game

My first choice would be to stop increasing the amount of advertisements we’re forced to watch.

by madcow256 on Dec 16, 2009 10:46 AM CST up reply actions

Like to See That, Too, But...

I believe the number of advertisements will only increase as the economy slowly picks up steam. I like college baseball because of the decreased amount of advertising compared to MLB. Though, advertising is increasing even in college baseball.

"The big possums walk late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Dec 16, 2009 10:59 AM CST up reply actions

It's definitely frustrating to be at these sporting events watching the officials stand around

until they’re given permission to let the game play. One would hope the MLB could charge more per ad if there were less of them, but that might just be my economic pipe dream.

by madcow256 on Dec 16, 2009 11:59 AM CST up reply actions

DH isn't going anywhere... except to the NL

Anyone who believes otherwise is just a tradition-bound fool.

And to all the folks who say, “I’m done if the NL adopts the DH,” goodbye, see ya, get the fuck out.

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Dec 16, 2009 11:03 AM CST reply actions

Merry Christmas to you, too.

by Mike Vails Evil Twin on Dec 16, 2009 11:13 AM CST up reply actions

Ah the Worf Clan is in Holiday spirits I see

May you bloodwine be warm this holiday season Worf!

by Ditkavsworld

by gaclaudy on Dec 16, 2009 11:23 AM CST up reply actions

“The designated hitter rule is like having someone else take Wilt Chamberlain’s free throws.” – Pitcher Rick Wise in 1974

by wrigley12 on Dec 16, 2009 12:59 PM CST reply actions

I wonder how the AL would feel

playing actual baseball again.

Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.

by drewishdrewid on Dec 16, 2009 3:53 PM CST reply actions

Hope it happens

I like the game better without the DH. In specific situations I’ve thought otherwise, but not overall.

As is always the case, Phil’s column doesn’t necessarily mean anything will change at all.

I thought LaRussa’s comment about eliminating the DH rule except for the all-star game was pretty funny.

They shouldn’t have to go to the players’ union for things like this, but they should give at least a couple of years notice if a change eliminates the DH rule and, of course, honor the contracts of all DHs. So, there might be some franchise cost for any player impact issues.

by AboutTheCubs on Dec 16, 2009 4:37 PM CST reply actions

NO DH = better baseball

baseball is a game of outs......pop out, ground out, line out, pitch out, strike out, fly out, and Fox and Bud's favorite black out

by Cubbie-Tim on Dec 16, 2009 5:02 PM CST reply actions

I don't like the DH either....

… but Phil Rogers has shown a nagging disregard for reality. There’s no way the MLBPA will ever agree to give up the DH. In fact, I would expect it might be approved in both leagues, rather than be eliminated in one.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Dec 16, 2009 9:32 PM CST reply actions 1 recs

Absolutely

It’s time to play in reality instead of fantasy. Here is my read of Rogers’ piece:

1) Rogers screwed up again and DH is not on the docket
2) DH IS on the docket, but Rogers got it wrong. It’s about moving the DH to the NL
3) Rogers, miracle of miracles, got it right, but Selig has put it on there, knowing it will be knocked off. That way, he gets something else.

The union would agree to give up the DH, but the concessions they would want are not palatable to the owners.

There is no such thing as an ugly female breast

by Worf on Dec 17, 2009 6:25 AM CST up reply actions

Totally agree and rec'd.

I don’t relish the thought of the DH in the NL, either. But it’s highly probable that the “Phil Rogers Opposite Principle” should be applied here.

Catch my act on Twitter as @dat_cubfan_dave.

by daver on Dec 17, 2009 1:06 PM CST up reply actions

Compromise

I feel that there is no way that the union gives up the DH without receiving something in return.

I am proposing for five years, the teams can have a 27 man roster. However, for any game, only 25 can be active. Similar to what NFL and NHL teams do with deactivating players.

The players union would have a tough time arguing that it’s not good for players because what you are doing is giving two additional players per team, 60 in all, a chance to play MLB and build their MLB service time.

The five year time line would allow AL times to wean themselves off of the DH and the players that play that position.

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. -- George Santayana (1863-1952)

by cubfred on Dec 17, 2009 4:03 PM CST up reply actions

It's strange ...

before I saw this post I heard a conversation on the radio about the Sox signing Pierre, and the jist of it was that they had no real DH…..could they see the writing on the wall?

A woman's guess is more accurate than a man's certainty.--Rudyard Kipling

by cooliogirl47 on Dec 17, 2009 8:24 AM CST reply actions