So, I don’t like the DH. Maybe it was because my dad was a staunch Chicago Cubs fan and would always use the DH to rip on the Chicago White Sox, using the designated hitter to say how they weren’t even playing real baseball.
So, suffice to say, I have not liked the conversation on adding the DH to the National League.
But, this idea that The Athletic’s Jayson Stark says is an actual behind the scenes idea that’s been bandied around.
And also this…
A DH in both leagues, but maybe with this fascinating twist!
Stark: Realignment, robots and the universal DH — how baseball will change during this decade https://t.co/qnt7ApJWvr pic.twitter.com/qDOQfLvgVI— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) January 10, 2020
I absolutely LOVE this concept (if the DH has to come, which it will… let’s just face it… it will).
This gives teams the ability to keep high priced starting pitchers safe. They can also keep them in games longer (maybe I contradicted myself there). It also keeps the chess game for managers late in games. Now, I don’t like the idea of starters, who have been used to hitting, not hitting. Then you potentially have scenarios where relief pitchers will hit (umm… hello Pedro Strop!).
But ultimately, this is a nice compromise that adds something to a rule I wish would have just gone away.
I don’t know if this will happen, but my gosh is it an awesome idea.