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August 09, 2004
Designated Hitters and the HOF
I saw an interesting debate on Baseball Tonight this evening on whether Edgar Martinez should be a Hall of Famer. There are two things to consider in his case:
1) If he were an average fielder, would his numbers be good enough to be an HOFer?
2) Should a DH be considered at all?
The first question seems to be an obvious yes. He's a .300, .300, .400 guy, which puts him in very elite company. While his home run total is fairly low, these other numbers are plenty to get him through as an average fielder.
The second question can be answered with a resounding "yes." Major League Baseball added a DH in an effort to bring more offense to the game. It does not discrimate against the fielder in any way. The Seattle Mariners have not discriminated in any way, paying Martinez more than most of their players despite him only playing "half" of the game (offense). His value to the team over the years is arguably greater than most of the players who did play both ways. But the most important thing is that the rules allow for a DH.
I hate the DH. I think it should be abolished immediately. I'm certain it would solve a lot of the bean ball war problems that baseball has because a pitcher wouldn't be so inclined to peg off an opposing batter should he have to step up to the plate himself. I also think it's part of the strategy of the game, for which many American League fans do not appreciate. The position is there, however, and until it isn't any longer the players have to be treated the same as any other position.
They are certainly paid according to that ideology...
Posted by Judd at August 9, 2004 10:40 PM
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