Can the National League compete?

[seanimal]

... with the American League in terms of quality of field under the current rule structure?

 

Specifically, leaving the DH rule intact in the American League while simultaneously not having the DH rule in the National League.

 

Is this really a matter of philosophy and economics, and the need for the National League to adapt its mindset to the ever-evolving game of baseball? Is the National League experiencing an over-dose of traditionalism and anecdote, i.e. Joe Morgan?

 

I wish to understand this situation better.

 

Discuss.

[rocket]

[potential blasphemous statement]The NL should adopt the DH.[/go easy flaming me]

[CubmanPi]

Say Micah Owings is in the AL. Can he pitch and simultaneously be DH, so that when he is taken down for a reliever, he can stay in the lineup as DH?

 

I'm all for the DH. It's better than watching pitchers hit HRs off the Cubs.

[NCCubFan]

The NL can compete (they have many years since the DH started). However, I do think that, in the age of interleague play, the leagues do need to play under the same rules. To not do so is like having different rules in the NFC vs. AFC in football.

[seanimal]

[potential blasphemous statement]The NL should adopt the DH.[/go easy flaming me]

 

I guess I'm just not sure that adding the DH to the National League is a good thing.

 

So, why would it be a good thing?

[UMFan83]

Why not just take the DH out of the AL?

[rocket]

[potential blasphemous statement]The NL should adopt the DH.[/go easy flaming me]

 

I guess I'm just not sure that adding the DH to the National League is a good thing.

 

So, why would it be a good thing?

 

Because I think it's ridiculous to have 2 different set of rules for each league. Also, the lack of DH means National League teams are shut out when it comes to opportunities to sign/trade for elite hitters who can't/don't field. I don't think over half the teams should be shut out for the chance to sign some of these players.

 

I'd be all for the AL getting rid of the DH, but the union will never let that happen. So the only other option is for the NL to adopt the DH, and have both leagues be the same.

[OleMissCub]

[potential blasphemous statement]The NL should adopt the DH.[/go easy flaming me]

 

I guess I'm just not sure that adding the DH to the National League is a good thing.

 

So, why would it be a good thing?

 

Because I think it's ridiculous to have 2 different set of rules for each league. Also, the lack of DH means National League teams are shut out when it comes to opportunities to sign/trade for elite hitters who can't/don't field. I don't think over half the teams should be shut out for the chance to sign some of these players.

 

I'd be all for the AL getting rid of the DH, but the union will never let that happen. So the only other option is for the NL to adopt the DH, and have both leagues be the same.

 

In Fair Ball, Costas suggests that the union would be for it the league offered that rosters be expanded to 26 players.

 

Oh, and the DH is AWFUL. The rules say 9 against 9.

[Derwood]

expand the roster, lose the DH.

 

Or, get this, don't have players who can't field!

[NCCubFan]

expand the roster, lose the DH.

Sign me up for that plan.

[Roast]

expand the roster, lose the DH.

Sign me up for that plan.

+1

[seanimal]

On one hand, as OMC pointed out, baseball is a game where every player who takes the field gets to bat. I'm definitely a purist/traditionalist in this regard.

 

But on the other hand, I find DH baseball more exciting at times, as it usually prevents the manager from doing something stupid to abruptly end what was a wonderful scoring opportunity. But then again, it could get really interesting and the national league could do away with starting pitching, at least, in the form that we know it.

 

I'd like to see things evolve under the current rule structure. I'm not particularly happy with the level of play in the NL right now, but baseball is a changing game, and anyway, the AL is some good stuff these days.

[jersey cubs fan]

Yes, the NL can compete. The difference between the two leagues right now is a factor of cyclicality, as well the as obscene path on which the Yankees and Red Sox payrolls have gone.

 

They are so far ahead of anything the NL throws out there, that it always gives that league a huge advantage in terms of having great teams. In order to contend in the AL, you have to contend with the Yankees and Red Sox, so you have to do more than a team in the NL. Look no further than the Cubs for evidence that some, or many, teams will only do as much as necessary to contend, not necessarily be the best they can be.

 

I believe the DH rule gives a small advantage to the AL, in that it gives them space to hide a big bat the NL teams can't hide. But they also wear on their pitchers all that much more. Overall, I'm guessing the effect is minimal.

[hardcorecubfan]

Decrease the roster to 18. Nine players/fielders, five pitcher, 2 relievers and two off the bench and lose the DH. Just to be different.