Throwing you a bender because I just thought you should know...
This
is it! Basically, the last season that we really see any separation
between the American and National Leagues. They have been moving towards
this for a while now, parts of it almost unseen or unnoticed by the
casual fan.
We
have seen the elimination of both American and National League umpiring
crews, having consolidated them into one MLB crew. Umpire crews now
rotate throughout all games, applying the appropriate rules depending on
which park they are in for the home team.
There are no
longer League Presidents, presiding over their individual issues and
only looking to maximize the strength and wealth of their own members.
Even the baseball itself is labeled for all of Major League Baseball and
only contains the commissioner's signature. Baseballs showing an
American League logo and Lee MacPhail's signature or a National League
logo ball autographed by Bill White are only in collector's hands now.
None of these being a big deal or even all that noticeable. But what about 2013?
The
2013 realignment has Houston moving to the American League, creating
three divisions in each league of five teams each. Geographic
realignment won't be far behind to create better schedules, better local
TV times, regional rivalries, reduce travel costs and be easier on the
players.
But the main item in place requiring a shake
up may be the designated hitter. Beginning in 2013, there will be an
interleague series throughout the entire season. Opening Day, every
month, through the dog days, and even during the pennant race, baseball
will be played under two sets of rules on a daily basis.
This
is the perfect moment for the National League to catch up with the rest
of the world and convert to the DH and have one set of rules. Of
course, the "purists" out there (who apparently still take a horse and
buggy to work) will rise up and scream against this change. But their
reasons fall flat.
Sure, the game originated without
the DH, and traditionalists always state that fact. But it has been 40
years now, beginning in 1973, which is a much longer period than
interleague play, wild cards, more rounds of playoffs and even instant
replay. Looking at current rosters, only Jamie Moyer grew up in an era
where the DH was not a regular part of baseball.
The NL
needs to add it as you will never see it going away in the American
League. Not with 15 extra high paying positions coveted by the Players
Association and the huge advantage it currently gives the AL in
negotiations. Eleven of the 13 richest contracts are in the American
League since they can offer big bucks and extended years by allowing a
player to wind down a career as a DH. There is a significant advantage
on the field as well but that is another topic, another day.
I
would still rather see an aging David Ortiz or Victor Martinez at the
plate instead of watching Clay Buchholz or Justin Verlander flail away
helplessly. I find it amazing that some baseball fans will relate back
to the "strategy" argument regarding the DH. Really? So you have a man
on first and less than two outs with your pitcher up.....is there a
strategy involving having your pitcher bunt that would elude an AL
manager or fan? And is watching Ron Roenicke or Bruce Bochy (household
names in the area of excitement) execute the double switch more riveting
than seeing Hideki Matsui or Vladimir Guerrero swing for the fences?
In
today's game, pitchers have grown up with even less exposure to
hitting, running and bunting than ever before. This has led to injuries
and ridiculous situations, even so extreme as AL managers instructing
their pitchers to just stand there and not even swing, during
interleague games. Imagine going through your developmental career, from
high school, into a major college program, progressing through the
minor leagues without really ever having to step into a batters box.
Upon finally making the major leagues, you are then asked to step in
against Roy Halladay and produce! End this madness!
Baseball, as everything, has evolved, progressed and moved forward through time. It is still the most beautiful game, the ultimate team
sport. And now it has subtly implemented changes that have brought it
to the precipice of instituting a grand and exciting advancement. There
is no more perfect time for the National League to adopt the designated
hitter than 2013.
All this because I know more about nothing...
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