MrMarcello said:
DH is a crap rule, supported by former players and current analysts.
DH talk I believe this article came out in 2003. The DH rule allows one-dimensional stars to play every day and in some cases, extend their careers. Or players like Harold Baines, who when played in RF was a comedy in action.
"The only reason to have a DH rule is that fans allegedly like more offense. Obviously, DHs are better hitters than pitchers. But how much more offense does this rule really generate? The average AL team scored one more run every three games than the average NL team last year -- and got one more hit every four games. So we're talking about two extra runs a week. That'll pack 'em in, all right." Jayson Stark, espn.com
And your answer is stupid. Since 1973, the AL has won 19 of 33 World Series, with NYY winning 6 of those championships. So, using series that went 6 or 7 games with the NL team prevailing, how did the DH help Boston in 1975, Baltimore 1979, Kansas City 1980, NY Yankees 1981, Milwaukee 1982, Boston 1986, Cleveland 1995 & 1997, NY Yankees 2001 & 2003?
You quote a grade A idiot from espn, Jayson Stark. He and his ilk have been preaching since day one that the real Sox were shit. Even when we had a massive lead in the AL Central at the halfway point, nobody put much stock in them, but that's a personal beef. The guys at espn fail to understand the changing nature of the game. Without steroid-adled freaks to hit 'dingers' at increasing rates, the game has become more pitching focused, which is exactly where the Sox excelled. People put faith in guys like Manny Ramirez being able to win a game when in reality it's the pitchers that who do the hard work.
You and Stark both think that the DH is bad because 'players who can't field' can play. On the contrary, look at the National League, and what a boring league it is. Who wants to watch pitchers bunt (usually) and overall waste everybody's time. The DH is a pure hitter. That's all he focuses on, regardless of fielding ability, and as a result makes the AL harder for pitchers and more fun to watch (IMO).
The World Series is one series, that is if one team's hot (regardless of the league) they'll win it. Even still, the AL has won the majority of the Series since 1973, and that's pretty substantial proof.
Oh, and your first statement (or should I say fallacy) can be turned around. DH is a great rule, supported by former players and current analysts.
"I don't think there's differences as maybe — or the, you know, the — you know, the separation of two leagues, I don't think it's as great as a lot of people speculate it is. I think you try to look at the talents of your club and use all the assets you have. There are certainly clubs in our league that play even more of a — what would be called a "National style" than we do. There's certainly clubs in the National League that sit back and play more of an American League style. The one thing at first I was very, very anti designated hitter, you know, coming from the National League. The one thing I found after working with it for three years is not only the offense opens up on another bat, but the little ball opens up. That's really almost contradictory to a designated hitter philosophy, where you think you have a big bat in the line-up. We can do more things in the American League, particularly as you approach the bottom third or bottom half of your order than you can in the National League because of the pitcher's spot. It creates more little ball in the American League than maybe might be on the surface and I think our club has, you know, been an indication of that." - Anaheim Angels Manager Mike Scioscia (October 1, 2002)
"Early in my career, I hated the designated hitter and thought baseball should get rid of it. But toward the end of my career, I realized that it allows older players to play a few more years. Paul Molitor is a great example. If there were no DH, it would've been difficult for him to accomplish all he did later in his career. I'm a National League guy, so I personally like the NL style of play. As Lou Brock once said, "You gotta earn it." You can't hide in the NL; you have to go out and play defense in order to have the right to hit. But now that I'm coaching at San Diego State — we have a DH in college baseball — I like having that extra offensive guy in my lineup and the extra possibilities it gives me (like giving a guy a "day off" by making him the DH). I realize a lot of fans don't like the DH, but it's a chance for a guy like Rickey Henderson to play another year. It's great for players who've had success in the game, but maybe can't take the grind of playing a full season at the end of their careers. It allows them to stay in the game — and that's a good thing." - Tony Gwynn on ESPN.com (April 4, 2003)
