Last time I crawled under my big straw hat, I shared what I would do if I were the Commissioner of Baseball.  I deferred writing about the issue of retaining or eliminating the Designated Hitter-the single greatest unresolved issue in baseball.  Here are my thoughts: 

How in the world has Major League Baseball been allowed to conduct business with games being played under two totally different sets of rules?  How come fans have not demanded a resolution to the Designated Hitter conflict, one way or the other?  Why don't the American League and the National League play the same game?  Why does this diparity have to continue to impact inter-league play and the World Series?

For this observer the answers are two fold:

First, the divisive difference in rules is permitted to continue because there has been no demand for change from fans.  While fans certainly don't have a voice in the establishment of policy and rules, fans do have a voice in shaping those rules.  However, change is difficult to accept for a great number of individuals.  The status quo is usually a safe and secure route.  Why should the Players Union and the Commissioner alter a system that seems to be working?  Why take the risk of upsetting half the people?  If people perceive the game to be totally healthy, why change?  Certainly there is no outcry to unify the leagues rules.  That's a real shame!  If an individual is against the Designated Hitter, will that individual still attend games if the rules change and the National League adopts the DH and pitchers no longer hit?  How about the other way around?  Currently, there is no voice guiding the Commissioner about the rule and twice a year it is debated.  Opinions are heard during inter-league and the World Series.

Secondly, changing the Designated Hitter rule will greatly impact player longevity, roster composition and construction and budget creation.  Players could lose their jobs.  Those currently hanging on as Designated Hitters, the last man on the roster or that extra pitcher being carried, are just a few examples. Teams will plan in a totally different manner if the Designated Hitter rule is resolved one way or the other.  A final decision on the DH will have a tremendous impact on the league that is changed from the current rules.  Time must be provided prior to implementation for those teams to alter their roster composition to compensate for the new rules.  When it is all said and done, this rule like many others, relates directly to...money.

It's been said that there are equal numbers of fans in favor of retaining the DH as those opposed.  That probably is conjecture.  Who knows?  Wouldn't it be great to find out what fans really want?  More about that later.

Arguments In Favor Of Retaining the Designated Hitter 

#1- Fans get to see more offensive action in a game.  More runs are scored, there are more home runs and the pitcher doesn't kill a rally.  Offense is king.

Here are some average statistics per team from season 2003 thru and including season 2008:

• 2003 AL scored 788 runs, hit 179 home runs and averaged .267 over 162 games. 
• 2003 NL scored 747 runs, hit 169 home runs and averaged .261 over 162 games 
• 2004 AL scored 811 runs, hit 186 home runs and averaged .270 over 162 games
• 2004 NL scored 751 runs, hit 178 home runs and averaged .263 over 162 games
• 2005 AL scored 771 runs, hit 174 home runs and averaged .268 over 162 games
• 2005 NL scored 721 runs, hit 161 home runs and averaged .262 over 162 games
• 2006 AL scored 804 runs, hit 182 home runs and averaged .275 over 162 games
• 2006 NL scored 771 runs, hit 178 home runs and averaged .264 over 162 games
• 2007 AL scored 794 runs, hit 161 home runs and averaged .270 over 162 games
• 2007 NL scored 763 runs, hit 169 home runs and averaged .266 over 162 games
• 2008 AL scored 775 runs, hit 162 home runs and averaged .267 over 162 games
• 2008 NL scored 734 runs, hit 163 home runs and averaged .260 over 162 games

Yes, in this six-year sample, the American League teams averaged more runs scored for the season.  No, the American League did not always hit more home runs, per team, per season.  In the last two seasons, the National League actually hit more home runs.  Yes, the batting average of the American League teams has been higher in each year of the six- year sample.  But the numbers sure are close.  Much closer than the average fan may realize.  Maybe that's why Major League Baseball chooses not to stir the pot and ruin the recipe.

#2- Fans get to see more "big name" hitters remain in the game longer (Jim Thome, Gary Sheffield when he was with Detroit, Mike Sweeney, Andruw Jones, Ken Griffey, Jr., Jason Giambi)

#3- Fans get to see player who don't play defense well or who don't have mobility to play defense (Traviis Hafner, David Ortiz, Mike Jacobs, Vladimir Guerrero, Hideki Matsui, Jack Cust, Pat Burrell, Luke Scott)

#4- Fans get to see players rotated between DH and defense on teams with crowded rosters at certain positions  (Mat Gamel, Marcus Thames, Gary Matthews, Jr., Jason Kubel, Adam Lind.)     

It's an impressive list of names.  Many of those players may not have a place on a major league roster if the DH does not exist.

#5- Fans don't have to watch helpless pitchers flail away at the plate.  Note:  Micah Owings and a few others notwithstanding.

#6-Pitchers usually remain in the game a little longer in American League games, as pinch hitters are not required for the pitcher's spot in the batting order.   

Arguments Against Retaining the Designated Hitter

#1-The Designated Hitter has ruined the purity of the game.  Critics argue that the game was not invented with the DH and that the pitcher has traditionally been required to bat.

#2- Purists claim the game in the National League is more intriguing, moves faster, is more interesting and is played more crisply.  The double-switch, sacrifice bunts and playing for one run are exciting to watch.  Purists say there is more strategy employed by better managers in the National League.     

#3- Pitchers are athletes.  They should hit.  It makes the game more complete to see the total athletic ability of a pitcher.

#4- Some wonder if an offensive and defensive platoon system is next in the tinkering with the game?  If the pitcher can be eliminated from hitting, why not eliminate all lousy hitters and/or poor defenders?

#5- The game would be far more balanced if every team was required to have their pitcher hit in the lineup.  As it is now, some teams in the American League can afford to purchase or trade for an expensive superstar at the end of his career and make him the DH.  He can hit.  He's just not a good defender anymore.  That wouldn't happen if the DH were to be eliminated.

So, What's The Answer?  Well, Here's My Idea:  

The issue won't go away until everyone plays under the same rules.  Why not let the fans decide about retaining or dumping the Designated Hitter?  Designated Hitter or No Designated Hitter?  Conduct a national election that runs from the first day of spring training until the end of the World Series.  Use every voting system currently employed in the All Star player voting system.  Ask two simple questions:

Are You In Favor Of  Having Both the American and National League Play Under the Same Designated Hitter Rules?  yes or no

Are You In Favor of Having The National League Impement the Designated Hitter?  yes or no

Or maybe some wordsmith can think of better questions to get to the answer, but the premise is this-let the people decide.

At the end of the World Series the votes would be tabulated and announced.  One midway vote total would be made public at the All Star Game.  That will give proponents half a season to generate their offensive.  The final accouncement would come at the end of the World Series.

Foor this to work, The Commissioner would have to agree to abide by the will of the fans.  If the fans don't want both the National and American League to have the Designated Hitter, the leagues can continue as they are.

If the fans want to see the National League implement the Designated Hitter, both leagues would be playing under the same rules.

If the DH is introduced to the National League by way of the fan vote, the teams would be given one year to alter their existing rosters.  In the system outlined, the ultimate solution to a sticky problem would be in the hands of the fans, the people who pay the freight.  What a great way to generate excitement for an entire season.  What a great way to bring the game back to the fans.

And if the beefs continue, the same vote could be taken in say....10 years.

That's my opinion.  I'd like to hear yours.  Comment below or write me at thebigstrawhat.com