hifigator
Platinum Hoya (over 5000 posts)
Posts: 6,387
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Post by hifigator on May 13, 2008 11:59:16 GMT -5
I think the "strategy" argument is mostly bunk -- double switches are not rocket science. However, I do think everyone who bats should have to play in the field, and everyone who plays in the field should have to bat. I'm not a fan of uber-specialization (kickers and punters, anyone?) and especially not in a sport that is not exactly physically demanding. Pitchers that can hit give themselves a huge advantage; an elite hitter that can field should be rewarded over one that can't. I agree that many of the decisions are pretty intuitive and certainly not complicated. But I still think that the strategy adds to the game. I don't have any stats in front of me, but off the top of my head, I would guess there are a higher percentage of 1 and 2 run games in the NL and a higher percentage of "easier/less competitive" games in the AL. If I am right, then it would stand to reason that those subtle decisions in the late innings are all the more likely to affect the outcome. Either way, the point is it isn't just double switches. Tough decisions, like whether or not to pull your ace in the seventh inning of a tie game when he is pitching well or whether to walk the #8 hitter in a middle-late inning situation forcing the opponent's hand. Do they want to pinch hit for their pitcher and take a shot at scoring or do they want to effectively give up on the inning by having the pitcher bat. Thos are the types of situations that can make NL games without the DH, more exciting.
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Jack
Diamond Hoya (over 2500 posts)
Posts: 3,411
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Post by Jack on Jun 29, 2008 22:41:10 GMT -5
159-102.
Any more questions? You may now resume your regularly scheduled AAAA season.
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One
Century (over 100 posts)
Posts: 192
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Post by One on Jun 29, 2008 23:09:17 GMT -5
I'm stunned it took you so long to post that. In any event, that record still doesn't mean they play real baseball in that league. When their lineup cards only require 9 slots for everyone in the starting lineup, I'll consider it real baseball.
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