|
MARK L. BAKKE'S
 Return to "Designated Hitter" essay Back to Philosophy page Please feel free to E-mail me with your own comments on this issue or on anything else included in my Philosophy of Life section. Debate is good!
Please report any problems with this page to the
Webmaster!
|
|
REPLY #4 TO
"DESIGNATED HITTER"
Boldfaced statements are parts of the original essay (or a subsequent reply) to which the respondent has directed his comments.
 Italicized/emphasized comments prefaced by (R) are those of the respondent and are presented unedited. My replies appear under the respondent's comments in blue text and are prefaced by my initials (MB). (R) My main gripe with the DH rule is the fact that it increases offense; I've little interest in watching the 11-4, 15-5 type games which seem to pollute the AL these days. When the teams are scoring fewer runs, there will be more close games. More close games means more excitement. (MB) While the DH rule increases offense, the amount of increase is not enough to account for the stereotypical big-scoring American League game. The American League is a power-hitter's league, while the National League is more of a speed and base-hitter's league. Also, since both teams use the DH, any increase in scoring should apply equally to both teams and close, exciting games should be just as prevalent. Consider that 10-9 and 2-1 are equally close games. I enjoy watching both and each produces its own brand of excitement. Big-scoring blowout games are produced by a combination of factors. Inept pitching and defense are two of the biggest contributors to those scores.
Created with Allaire HomeSite 4.0 .......... Last Update: 04 Jun 98
E-mail: mlbakke1@bakkster.com Earthlink Network Home Page |