Question: DH/Pitchers related

[BCWWF]

(Pulling a Heyman, sorry)

I know in high school that when a pitcher gets on base, the team can put a pinch runner in while not having to take the pitcher out of the game. I'm not sure the rules on if the runner is still able to return, but the pitcher is allowed to skip baserunning and then continue pitching in the next inning.

Do you think this would be a good thing for the NL to consider? The main advantages would be that the pitchers would be less likely to get injured and the base runner would be more effective running the bases because he wouldn't have to go pitch the next inning and would probably be faster. The negatives are that it would take away from tradition and that it would bring more players into the game.

Or do you think that it would be a good replacement for the DH? The advantages would be that it would take away the critics who complain that AL teams get to use an established hitter instead of a pitcher to boose offensive numbers. The disadvantages would be that offense would decrease and Frank Thomas would be out of a job.


I know in Minnesota they also can use these runners for catchers, which also might not be a horrible decision. Catching is probably the most demanding position in baseball and I'm sure a few of them would have no problem letting a quick guy run for them every once in a while. The disadvantages are pretty much the same as the NL pitchers.


So what do you think? Do you think any of those would be good changes to make or would you prefer to leave it the way it is?

[YOUR Hero]

To be honest, that's a little league rule. It doesn't belong in MLB, however if they implemented it in the AL, I'd be for it as it would bring things closer to the way it really should be.

[BCWWF]

Personally I wouldn't change it, but it would be interesting if they did

[Jesus Shuttlesworth]

No, I like the DH actually. Lets guys who suck in the field still be able to bat.

And that idea would change a lot of things I bet. Coaches would probably change that type of personal they have on their bench and base stealing would increase due to guys who could just be on the team to pinch run for the pitcher and be "base stealing specialists"

[Yashamaga]

yo sTiMa

sick avatar :y:

[The Outlaw]

Yeah then any joke with 4.3 speed could make it as a pinch runner.

[YOUR Hero]

What I find funny is some people are saying any fast guy would be able to ba a base stealer. Well that's not true, because there have been many a 'track star' given a chance to come off the bench as a base stealer and it almost never works. There's more to it than just running fast. Also, saying you don't want fast guys coming off the bench, basically because they would be specialists (incomplete players) really goes against the arguemant of the DH where you have incomplete players never fielding the ball.

I just feel the DH takes away from the management, the thinking of baseball. So anything that adds to thought, instead of taking away from it, is a plus IMO.

*Designated Player, it's called, they are using it in the Olympic softball.

[ct2k]

I like it how the AL has the DH and the NL doesn't, gives some variety and it caters for people of both tastes, plus during interleague and the world series its interesting to see the teams from different leagues taking the other's approach to things:y:

[BCWWF]

I agree with ct2k about liking having differences in the two leagues. I don't think I would be for the designated player or whatever, but it is an interesting concept.

On what Hero said, I seem to remember back in the day like Michael Johnson or something was signed by a team, am I just thinking things or did something like that happen?

[ct2k]

But yeah i wouldn't be for the designated player part.

Plus, base stealing is all about reading the pitcher and getting a good jump. It doesn't matter how fast you are, if you run at the wrong time you'll be caught between the bases or thrown out.

[The Outlaw]

But if the guy has a good coach, then voila.

[AlphaBean]

Johan Santana tore shit up in interleague play. He's probably going to the NL for big money next year. Best pitcher in the league and is a good batter.

Saw him pitch live tonight. Destroyed the Yankees. Yus. :cool: