If you love to watch MLB pitchers bat, take it in while you can, because 2016 may be the final season it happens.
At an MLB owners' meeting on Thursday in Coral Gables, Fla., Commissioner Rob Manfred said the idea of the designated hitter coming to the National League is "gaining momentum." What's more: Deciding whether to implement a unified DH rule could happen this year and then get rolled out for the 2017 season.
MLB is set to work on a new collective bargaining agreement with the players' union this year. The current CBA expires on Dec. 31, 2016 and it sounds as if the DH could be a big part of the new agreement.
No "boo" from me... as much as one might enjoy watching Bartolo Colon swing awkwardly in every at-bat, I've never found joy in seeing a pitcher with a bat in his hand. Perhaps it's because the rule was implemented the year before I was born or because I've spent the majority of my life watching American League baseball, but I've in favor of unifying the rules and making the designated hitter the "new" norm.
No "boo" from me... as much as one might enjoy watching Bartolo Colon swing awkwardly in every at-bat, I've never found joy in seeing a pitcher with a bat in his hand. Perhaps it's because the rule was implemented the year before I was born or because I've spent the majority of my life watching American League baseball, but I've in favor of unifying the rules and making the designated hitter the "new" norm.
ReplyDeleteAs a San Franciscan, I oppose this change. MadBum hitting is a thing of beauty.
ReplyDeleteAt least we won't have the crazy WS situation any more.
ReplyDeleteOther than that: boo.