Quote:
Originally Posted by Resolute 14
The theory on a shorter game is that you would have fewer unnecessary pitching changes to replace a god awful hitter with a useful one. IIRC, statistically it makes almost no difference. NL games aren't really any shorter than AL games.
On the flip side, I don't really buy the strategy argument as a defence of pitchers hitting either. The double switch is hardly deep strategy, and I don't think it makes up for the painful nature of watching pitchers flail away uselessly at the plate 4-6 times a game.
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There's all sorts of strategy involved with pitchers hitting. Do you keep a pitcher in the 6th or 7th if he's pitching well? Do you pitch to the 8 hitter? The 8 hitter has the responsibility to get the lineup turned over. Pitchers bunting a guy over to get to the top of the order vs screwing up the bunt is an interesting element. The concept of a lead off hitter is almost irrelevant with a DH. Saving or burning PHs can be compelling in a tight game. Cat and mouse games of matching up pinch hitters and relief pitchers is also compelling. Being a Nationals fan, I watch 95% NL games and all those elements are a big part of the game to me.