Designated Hitter Compromise

[frankbmd]

My original post was more of a random thought, expression of discontent with both the DH and the fact that a professional sport plays a World Series with two leagues that are not playing the same game.

Other random thoughts come to mind. What if the DH were required to play in the field, but he could be used anywhere on the field as a "rover" and be allowed to change his position based on the batter and the situation. He could be a fourth outfielder for power hitters, a short right of left fielder instead of infield shifts for dead pull hitters, or as an additional infielder in bunting situations. Fielder placement would add some of the lost managerial input that could be interesting. A nine man line up would be preserved.

Adding to the roster (to 26) as mentioned would hopefully add another bat to the bench (and not another one batter south paw to the bull pen). This would possibly result in one more platoon player who might be used as a late inning pinch hitter and replacement thereafter. His use would be based either on a lefty-righty matchup or as a superior defensive player. It might help.

I agree with Richard that the longer bench in the bullpen and the shorter bench in the dugout further detracts from managerial offensive options. Add to this that many managers are reluctant to use their second catcher as a pinch hitter, in case he is needed due to injury of the first catcher, and you're left with usually a couple of platoon players and perhaps a utility guy capable of filling in in case of injury. Not many options.

Those of us who grew up with the game in the fifties and sixties remember 25 man rosters with 8-10 pitchers, when relief pitchers (2-3/team) could pitch 2 or even 3 innings and the long reliever was the fifth or sixth starter. Two or three late inning defensive replacements, a utility infielder, three catchers on the roster and a couple of pinch hitters sitting on the bench.

Nostaglia is the past however, and we aren't going back. Instituting the DH was a mistake and using the DH in only one league was a second mistake IMO. Imagine a Super Bowl where one team was required to put 8 players on the line of scrimmage and the other was allowed to use only six.

Let's see what other thoughts are out there, realizing that all our solutions must be considered fantasy.