Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Hopcroft
I like the DH rule as it is. An SP-only rule would cost hitters valuable plate appearances, and I can't help but think of Edgar Martinez under these rules being a muss less significant asset under such a system.
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I don't think so, at least not "much less". Less, sure, okay, but not much less. If they're that good of offensive players, they'll be switched to 1B or some other position.
When we talk about HoF-worthy DHs, we're usually only talking about 2 players in the 48 year history of the DH anyway. Both probably would have played more in the field under the SP-only DH. They were both such good hitters that there's just no way you'd take them out of the lineup. They might have even had a more convincing case for hall induction had they done so.
Plus, a decrease in the PAs for a full-game DHs would be, IMO, made up for by the increase in use of bench players like we see in the NL. I'd much rather see a capable pinch hitter available to come into the game rather than yet another pitcher. More players like Lenny Harris and Matt Stairs? Yes, please!