Quote:
Originally Posted by nfotiu
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.
|
Is there? The only actual strategy there is "should I double switch in the 7th with a pitcher having a good-but-not-outstanding game?" Do you pitch to the 8 hitter? Almost always yes. There might be one at bat in a hundred where it makes sense to pitch around someone who is generally the second worst hitter on the other team. Pitchers bunting is hardly strategic. Got a runner on with less than two outs? Almost always bunt. That's not strategy. That's lack of skill forcing your hand. The 'cat and mouse' of pitching changes vs. pinch hitters exists in DH ball as well.
So yeah, it still all comes back to 4-6 useless at bats a game vs. that rare time the double switch has a material impact on the outcome.