Quote:I think it's ridiculous that the leagues play by different rules. The National League does it right, make the pitchers hit. Should be a set of rules for the MLB as a whole. A pitcher is a player, make em hit.

 

Added to the pitcher hits rule is more strategy as well in that NL Managers are affected with. When a manager knows he will be taking his pitcher out, he will sub a bench player for him to hit. This effectively uses up the bench player who will then be replaced by another pitcher in the next inning, and is no longer able to play for that game. Choosing to pull a pitcher is then a more subtle strategic decision in the NL.

 

In the AL they can change pitchers all day without using up a bench player, hitting order not affected.

 

I agree that it's ridiculous the two leagues have a different set of rules. I would prefer to see the NL adopt the DH, though. Too many pitchers are useless at the plate and don't even take their at-bats seriously.

 

I can't stand how the pitcher's spot in the batting order is almost an automatic out. If you have guys on 1st and 2nd with 2 outs and the #8 batter up, you don't have to give him a fastball because the pitcher is going to (likely) be an easy out to end any potential rally. There's hardly any risk at all in loading the bases up because most pitchers are useless at the plate (especially with 2 outs).

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