Koufax

I think the AL needs to play the game as it was originally intended.

I think the "original" rules where quite different from today's N.L. game.

Other than, "Because that is the way god intended it", are there other advantages over the DH you can think of? What if originally they had thought of the DH?

I think we know "original intent" doesn't mean "original rules. What Original Intent means to me is that everyone on the field plays the whole game. Nine players. They all catch, throw, field and hit. This isn't the NFL, where you can exist as a Nickel Back, or a 3rd down specialist, or play one side of the ball. It's closer to basketball--everyone on the field plays the game.

There are no strategic advantages to pitcher batting. It's not auto-pilot--pencil Papi, or Edgar Martinez in, without worrying about his glove. You can't carry a weak bench and get by, like you can with a DH. Nope. You need a deeper, more diverse roster,. You need better bench players and a deeper pen. You can't hide. Managers have to make tougher decisions regarding lineups and pitcher usage.

The advantage to pitcher hitting, the way the game was played for nearly a century,is that the game is more interesting.

But if you want a testament to this, check out any Strat team on the boards where the DH is in play. There's Dale Murray and Bruce Sutter tossing 200+ innings, because you never have to worry about a pinch hitter (which is why I avoid DH leagues--granted, it's not a realistic simulation, but that shows how much easier it is to build a pen--with one reliever).

And if we're going to have specialists, screw it, let's go all the way--let's have e fielding lineup and a hitting lineup. Let's turn it into the NFL, where every position is maximized and rested, and no one need know about having to deal with their weaknesses.

Pitcher batting means I have to accept '84 Gary Matthew's poor defense if I want his production (as the real Cubs did). Want Edgar's bat? You'll have to take him out late. Sutcliffe's going well, but it's 1-1 in my half of the 7th, and I have a man in scoring position with 1 out. Do I take him out, take a chance on winning? Or do I pray, maybe bunt the man over and depend on the next hitter? Maybe I let him hit. He's a decent hitter. He's not as good as Bosley, whom I have on the bench. But if I put Bosley in, they'll likely just bring in a lefty specialist. Or will they? Their pitcher is doing pretty well, too.

No DH means more wheat and less chafe. It means fewer fat, slow guys sucking up AB's at the DH position. It means you can't hide. You have to make a decision, and be responsible for it.

Advantages? None, I guess. But at least you can ride without training wheels.

And ditto on players not being able to bunt, or cut down with two strikes. They've been taught a K is the same as any other out. I dunno. Seems to me if I put the ball in play, something might happen.