Quote:
Originally Posted by Resolute 14
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.
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You're viewing strategy just as manager's in game decisions. It's more than that though. Building a good bench is important in the NL and you have to balance decisions based on pinch hitting skills. A team and pitcher need to devote some time to bunting practice as laying down the bunt or not can be a critical part of the game that sets up some offense later in the inning or kills an inning. It's gratifying to see guys who take that aspect seriously be rewarded. Setting a lineup is more significant with a pitcher hitting. Just a lot of elements of the game I enjoy as a long time baseball fan. I find manufactured runs in a tight game to be generally more exciting than a home run without much build up.
Most NL fans I know are against the DH. It seems that most AL fans can't understand why.