AJ Burnett to Pittsburgh.

[monty57]

I'm neutral on the DH thing, as I see pluses and minuses to both sides. That said, with all the talk of extra interleague games and what to do with the DH, the first thing I thought of when I heard the new big named Pirates pitcher got hurt trying to bunt was that it would be used as an arguement for adding the DH in the NL. I'm sure every AL owner/GM is thinking "That could be our ace when he tries to bunt in the NL."

 

It is too bad about Burnett. It helps the Brewers, but I hate to see anyone get hurt, and I'm kind of looking forward to seeing what Burnett can do in Pittsburgh.

[fondybrewfan]

I have to imagine an eye fracture will result in a major hit to his peripherals

I assume pun intended here? If so, nicely done.

 

Yes that was my lame attempt at humor

[Ennder]

I could live with the DH in the NL, IF the starting DH was tied to the SP. Each pitching change would also require a DH change (when the pitcher's spot in the order comes up). The pitchers would be protected from the dangers of touching a bat but the strategerie (Yogi-ism) wouldn't be lost.

 

I'm cool with that, though it really doesn't change much. The 'strategy' involved for PH is so simplistic and makes so little difference in 95% of games that it isn't much of a loss. I'd miss it in the playoffs where people are yanking pitchers early etc a lot but not regular season at all.

 

Back when your pitcher went 9 innings more times than not and they had 4 man rotations it made sense for the pitcher to hit, they actually got quite a bit of work on it. Now that most pitchers get 75 PA a year it just doesn't make sense and it is downright terrible expecting the AL pitchers to stay in hitting shape.

[Nottso]

The 'strategy' involved for PH is so simplistic and makes so little difference in 95% of games that it isn't much of a loss.

 

I have to disagree with that. I don't think a double switch is simplistic by any means. They often become make-or-break decisions that have fans on the edges of their seats. How often have you seen a double switch in an AL game?

[JET15]

I could live with the DH in the NL, IF the starting DH was tied to the SP. Each pitching change would also require a DH change (when the pitcher's spot in the order comes up). The pitchers would be protected from the dangers of touching a bat but the strategerie (Yogi-ism) wouldn't be lost.

 

That's quite creative. Did you come up with that twist on your own? I assume that the rule would apply to both leagues. That would be a huge improvement.

[Ennder]

I have to disagree with that. I don't think a double switch is simplistic by any means. They often become make-or-break decisions that have fans on the edges of their seats

 

Rarely is it really make or break because benches are too thin for this to really hold true these days. You usually have a pretty obvious 1 or 2 go to pinch hitters and 1 or 2 guys you are more than willing to take out of a lineup and it is maybe 1 time per 5 games you even make one since you usually just PH for your pitchers. This is one of those things that can be a big deal but it ends up being a big deal in such a small number of games that it really isn't a very big deal overall.

 

The fans point to it as a reason a team loses anytime it doesn't work out but even then it is only a few times a season and the fans are usually make a big fuss over nothing. The only time it is a 'big deal' is high leverage situations in the 6th or 7th inning when your pitcher is pitching well and those just aren't all that common.

[Nottso]

That's quite creative. Did you come up with that twist on your own? I assume that the rule would apply to both leagues. That would be a huge improvement.

 

Yes, I came up with that. Thanks. In my mind, it's a simple answer to a long-time question.

 

This is one of those things that can be a big deal but it ends up being a big deal in such a small number of games that it really isn't a very big deal overall.

 

Not a big deal to you and not a big deal over all are 2 entirely different things. If it weren't at least a somewhat big deal over all there would be no debate. The NL would have had the DH long ago.

[patrickgpe]

personally i would rather have them go to 8 man lineups then have a DH, which of course the union would never stand for. it adds so much more strategy to the game and makes nl games much more interesting to watch and scrutinize than al.

[fondybrewfan]

Burnett apparently out 2-3 months

[Ennder]

Not a big deal to you and not a big deal over all are 2 entirely different things. If it weren't at least a somewhat big deal over all there would be no debate. The NL would have had the DH long ago.

 

People just assume it is a big deal without really looking at how often it matters. It is a big deal in the playoffs so that is really the best argument, when you are playing for 1 win the strategy involving the pitcher spot plays a much larger role.

[logan82]

Many AL teams have a defensive specialist so the hitting isn't quite as good position by position.

[Bikeage77]

Things have become different over time, but pitchers should still be hitting in high school regularly. Many play two positions if they go to college as well. I'm sure that baseball will eventually go to the DH, but it's a stupid move that'll make NL teams pay 8-10 million for a guy that can hit, money I'd much rather see go to pitching.

 

Nottso, you may be onto something, but the union would never go for it. How is that gonna go over in the playoffs when a guy like Big Papi gets to bat in the top of the first, and then yer pitcher can't get an out in the bottom half and is immediately replaced. Now you've lost one of your best hitters. (and a guy that is paid 13 million as well).

 

Remember when Prince punched Manny Parra? I could see a lot more of that happening.

[RockCoCougars]

He's 14-3, so I have to bump this to admit that I was completely wrong. Burnett could be in the mix for the Cy Young award, and I give him a lot of credit for bouncing back from that injury and pitching so well after he looked so bad the past few years. Pittsburgh is usually where veterans go to die.

[TooLiveBrew]

He's 14-3, so I have to bump this to admit that I was completely wrong. Burnett could be in the mix for the Cy Young award, and I give him a lot of credit for bouncing back from that injury and pitching so well after he looked so bad the past few years. Pittsburgh is usually where veterans go to die.

Big time hat-tip for you for posting that, RockCo. I am currently joining you in dining on some crow.

 

I can't say I thought he'd fare this well even if I thought he would be ok, but the 2012 Pirates are a pretty awesome story. I'm definitely rooting for them at this point.

[jerichoholicninja]

In the NL Central and that ballpark he will be decent.

 

Can I gloat then?