Atlanta Braves: Checkers and Chess – Why the NL Needs the DH
By Seth Carter
Arguments Against the DH
The strategy argument is often cited as a reason to keep the National League “DH-Free.” In fact, the strategy argument is often used as a case for completely abolishing the position altogether.
The argument is that with the pitcher still in the lineup it creates a more strategic game. Managers have to decide if a pinch-hitter is worth removing the pitcher from the game. Some call it checkers and chess.
On the occasion that a pitcher is a skilled hitter, the National League rules allow for that player to show off his skills.
When a pitcher does actually do something with a bat, like when Bartolo Colon blasted his first (and only) homer off of James Shields, it creates an extremely memorable moment that wouldn’t have happened if the NL had a DH.
The National League preserves the “art” of bunting by allowing the pitcher to remain in the lineup. Since pitchers are virtually an automatic out, they sometimes bunt to use their out to move runners over.
Some people argue that each player on the field should have to hit. Why should pitchers get a free pass? Baseball is about nine players on each team. The DH makes it 10 — it’s not right. It’s darn-near sacrilegious.
Baseball is a tradition-rich sport and the DH is interfering with the legacy of the game.
These are some of the lines of logic for not allowing the DH in the NL or removing it from the game completely. I used to be a traditionalist when it came to the DH. The more I’ve thought about it, the more I can’t justify my traditionalist ways.