• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
The Designated Hitter: Bad for Baseball

The Designated Hitter: Bad for Baseball

July 21, 2018
Who Is The Logical Choice To Replace Jerry West As The NBA Logo?

Who Is The Logical Choice To Replace Jerry West As The NBA Logo?

February 27, 2021
NHL Up and Down the Boards: Boucher Tops Ducharme on Habs Coaching Odds

NHL Up and Down the Boards: Boucher Tops Ducharme on Habs Coaching Odds

February 26, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Lindor and Conforto Should Have Different Paths to Pay Dirt

Lindor and Conforto Should Have Different Paths to Pay Dirt

February 26, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Teven Jenkins

February 26, 2021
Dolphins Free Agents: Who Could Be on the Move?

Dolphins Free Agents: Who Could Be on the Move?

February 26, 2021
Giants Free-Agency Targets: WR Corey Davis

Giants Free-Agency Targets: WR Corey Davis

February 26, 2021
Playing Brett Veach: Part One

This Or That: Draft Wide Receiver Round 1 Or Later?

February 25, 2021
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Opinion: Better Run/Pass Balance Needed

February 25, 2021
Brady Tkachuk The Ottawa Senators Next Captain?

Brady Tkachuk The Ottawa Senators Next Captain?

February 25, 2021
AL Notes: Gardner Insurance for Yanks, German Apologizes, Bradley Still in Limbo, Clubs Make Final Adds

AL Notes: Gardner Insurance for Yanks, German Apologizes, Bradley Still in Limbo, Clubs Make Final Adds

February 25, 2021
Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II

2021 Draft Profile: CB Patrick Surtain II

February 24, 2021
49ers’ GM John Lynch: “No Doubt” Garoppolo Will Be 49ers’ Quarterback For 2021

49ers’ GM John Lynch: “No Doubt” Garoppolo Will Be 49ers’ Quarterback For 2021

February 24, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Saturday, February 27, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home MLB

The Designated Hitter: Bad for Baseball

Tyler Kading by Tyler Kading
July 21, 2018
in MLB, MLB Featured
Reading Time: 3min read
0
The Designated Hitter: Bad for Baseball

CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 19: Michael Lorenzen #21 of the Cincinnati Reds hits his first career major league home run, a three run home run, during the seventh inning of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Great American Ball Park on August 19, 2016 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Cincinnati defeated Los Angeles 9-2. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)

1.6k
SHARES
3.4k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

There’s been plenty of reinvigorated talk about the homogenization of baseball, and thus the addition of the designated hitter to the National League. Players union chief Tony Clark has stated that talks are “gaining momentum” of late.

Players union chief Tony Clark said talk among players about adopting a universal DH (thus adding to NL) are “gaining momentum”

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 17, 2018

More FromFPC

Lindor and Conforto Should Have Different Paths to Pay Dirt

Lindor and Conforto Should Have Different Paths to Pay Dirt

February 26, 2021

AL Notes: Gardner Insurance for Yanks, German Apologizes, Bradley Still in Limbo, Clubs Make Final Adds

February 25, 2021

Mets Add Taijuan Walker Another Cost Cutting Measure

February 20, 2021

AL Notes: Benintendi Dealt, Yankees Bolstering Bullpen, Clubs Scrambling Before Spring Training

February 14, 2021

There are plenty of instances, some of which I have talked about here, in which the MLB doesn’t have the best interest of the game at heart. I truly believe this is one of those cases. The designated hitter is horrible for baseball, and while homogenization of both leagues is past due, it should be stripping the DH from the American League, and bringing baseball back to its truest form.

Baseball isn’t like most other sports. The average person can’t sit down on their couch for the first time in weeks, turn on the game, and understand completely what is going on. That hypothetical person wouldn’t even come close to understanding the intricacies of the sport.

Baseball is 95% chess match. It’s more a strategic game than a talent-based game. More thought goes into every action of a baseball game than any other sport.

While managers do lots of things behind the scenes, their in-game prevalence, calling the shots, is perhaps the biggest role on the team. Managers get constant backlash from fans about how they set their lineup, manage their bullpen, etc.

To be a baseball fan, you must enjoy this part of the game. Unlike basketball, hockey, or even football, the constant downtime, strategic games, and mental games are necessary for a baseball fan to enjoy. And with that comes the designated hitter or lack thereof.

For a true baseball fan, I cannot fathom an argument as to why the designated hitter is good for the game. With the designated hitter, a lot of strategic decisions go to the wayside. Managers in the American League don’t need to make decisions based on where the pitcher hits next. They don’t need to decide between a sacrifice bunt or a pitcher at bat.

Quite frankly, the game is undisputedly easier on the managers in the American League. A  manager’s job is in no way easy, but fifteen guys are making their money a lot easier than the other fifteen. By adding the designated hitter, the American League is dumbing down the game of baseball. They are attempting to take away the strategy and take away the need for intelligence about the game. Every true, long-term baseball fan should be completely up in arms about this.

As a true baseball fan, I see the constant strategic decisions relating to the nine spot in the order as a necessity. That’s how the game of baseball is played; if you play in the field, you swing the bat.

That brings me to the other major flaw with the designated hitter. The designated hitter promotes the ignorance of a whole part of the game.

Guys like David Ortiz or Edgar Martinez, two incredible hitters and future hall of famers, were only close to being above average in two tools: hitting and power. While you can’t blame them, because they know their role within their teams, you can blame Major League Baseball for allowing this.

There’s also no entertainment value of watching these guys swing the bat. We’ve come to accept that, if you don’t have to focus on the field at all, you are going to be a pretty good hitter. That’s common sense. There isn’t an MLB At Bat notification that pops up for every JD Martinez home run.

However, when Carlos Zambrano hits six home runs in a season or Michael Lorenzen hits three in consecutive at-bats, you take notice. Sure, it gets annoying sometimes when the pitcher’s spot comes up with guys on base and two outs early in the game, but one has to realize it’s better for the game.

When DH advocates bring up hitters’ slash lines, one thing that never gets talked about is the AL’s track record in the nine hole. Sure, the AL’s 9-hitters hit better than the NL’s pitchers, but they still hit at a .220/.284/.341 slash line, good for only 71 wRC+.

I fail to see how the MLB can justify getting rid of a massive part of their game to instead ensure that players that collectively hit like that get three/four at-bats a game.

I consider myself to be a baseball traditionalist, and while I wholeheartedly accept things like the use analytics into the game, there’s a lot of stuff I wish would revert to “the old times.” Make the leagues consistent; ban the designated hitter, and return baseball to the way it should be played, and the way every fan should want it to be played.

Tags: carlos zambranodesignated hittermichael lorenzen
Share626Tweet392
Previous Post

Jameis Winston: The Next Super Star Quarterback

Next Post

Vikings Camp Spotlight: Ade Aruna

Tyler Kading

Tyler Kading

Next Post
Brett Deering/Getty Images

Vikings Camp Spotlight: Ade Aruna

2018 Eagles Roster Projection: Pre-Training Camp Defense

2018 Eagles Roster Projection: Pre-Training Camp Defense

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep 65: Tiger Woods Update/Russell Wilson Is Unhappy
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3251896052.mp3?updated=1614450807
  • Ep. 188 - Potato Head / Wrestlemania Predictions
    by Talkamania on February 27, 2021 at 7:16 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43665499/talkamania_episode_188.mp3
  • Full Press EP 7: Chris Rosvoglou joins the show!
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 3:52 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43663692/full_press_ep_7_thu_1830.mp3
  • Ep 52: Jacqueline
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7559085259.mp3?updated=1614399614
  • Ep 170: NFL Coaching Changes
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 2:43 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV4500828715.mp3?updated=1614437073
  • Ep 65: Salary Cap Pack
    by Full Press Coverage on February 26, 2021 at 7:52 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV1239084265.mp3?updated=1614369199
  • Ep #94: Kansas City Facing Difficult Decisions
    by Full Press Coverage on February 26, 2021 at 6:05 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5572884188.mp3
  • Episode 35: All Aboard Train Russell
    by Full Press Coverage on February 26, 2021 at 3:21 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3490574527.mp3?updated=1614352919
  • Ep.69: From Selma to the Classic
    by Full Press Coverage on February 26, 2021 at 3:10 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV6709770713.mp3
  • 2/25 - Quarterbacks, Opt-Ins, and the NFL Draft with Bob Socci
    by Full Press Coverage on February 25, 2021 at 11:48 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV4958763373.mp3?updated=1614298203

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 52: Jacqueline
    by Evan Gomes on February 27, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • WWE: The Latest Performance Center Class & Debuts
    by Evan Gomes on February 26, 2021 at 1:45 pm

    Who has WWE added to their talent pool? WWE has brought in it’s largest Performance Center class […]

  • AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight
    by Evan Gomes on February 24, 2021 at 4:35 pm

    Well… AEW has announced the signing of wrestling legend Paul Wight, known in WWE as The Big Show, […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grade & Opinion: February 22, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on February 23, 2021 at 5:04 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: February 22, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Bobby Lashley Makes […]

  • WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Results, Grades & Opinion
    by Evan Gomes on February 22, 2021 at 3:33 am

    WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Results, Grades & Opinion A.K.A. The One Without A Women’s […]

More Wrestling News

  • The Ottawa Senators Are Winning “The Right Way”
    by Murray Pam on February 27, 2021 at 3:03 pm

    The Senators opened the season 2-12-1 in the first 15 games, but are now hitting stride, winning […]

  • Eichel, Ullmark Injured, Skinner’s Status Unclear With Slumping Sabres
    by Michael Augello on February 26, 2021 at 10:23 pm

    Problems continue to pile up for the Buffalo Sabres, whether it be injuries or their own making. […]

  • Islanders Put Away Bruins 7-2 With Best Game Of Season
    by Curtis Rush on February 26, 2021 at 4:46 pm

    This was not quite Islanders hockey the way we’re used to seeing it. So, it was more than […]

  • NHL Up and Down the Boards: Boucher Tops Ducharme on Habs Coaching Odds
    by Daniel Coyle on February 26, 2021 at 4:35 pm

    Who will be the next full-time coach of the Montreal Canadiens? The post NHL Up and Down the […]

  • As Flyers Get Healthier, Returning Claude Giroux Makes An Immediate Impact
    by Carol Schram on February 26, 2021 at 2:49 am

    In his first game back after Covid Protocol, Claude Giroux's 3 assists and 8 shots energized the […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 54: Boston Strong Through First Quarter; Bruins Ready For Tahoe; Trade Rumors
    by Full Press Coverage on February 19, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss the Bruins first quarter of the season, the upcoming […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26944781/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-19%2F9842e3b3bd832cd255d0058b2a68b0b5.m4a
  • Ep 53: Bruins On a Roll; Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy; Blackey Family History
    by Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    Ian and Chris are joined by Eric Blackey to talk Bruins' hot streak, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26174126/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-03%2F66793c2461c1f0eaf37253a4e481f46b.m4a
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage