The designated hitter, first adopted in the American League in 1973 on three-year trial but never ratified by the National League, was back in the news over the All-Star break.
In our neck of the woods, the difference between the real AL and NL has only a negligible impact in mixed fantasy leagues, but those who play in American League-only formats have an advantage on NL-only leagues. The pool of 15 starting designated hitters are available to beef up AL owners’ offensive alternatives.
Even though I compete in several NL-only leagues, so could seemingly benefit from a universal DH, I remain more of a traditionalist and prefer the National League style of play of the real game.
I am still torn, though. 45 years should have been long enough to make one decision for all of baseball and it seems unlikely the AL will ever give it up. I used to blame the inaction on Bud Selig, but he is three-and -a-half years removed from the commissioner’s chair and nothing has really changed.
Consider this. Can you imagine if the conferences in the NFL had such a distinct rules variation – say if the AFC allowed one additional player to be an eligible receiver? It would make for a different game – offensive and defensive plays and alignments alike.
MLB Players Association head Tony Clark fired the first volley in this recent discussion. As one might imagine, Clark is all-in on the DH. 15 more designated hitters means 15 better jobs for players – and not just any players. Designated hitters are often veterans making considerably more money than the 25th man on the roster they would displace. (Think Albert Pujols, for example.)
Beat writers, especially those who are pro-DH, helped get the word out. Here is but one of many examples.
Designated hitter in the National league is “gaining momentum,” Tony Clark says.
Paul Revere rides again.
The DH is coming.
The DH is coming.
The DH is coming.#stlcards #MLB— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) July 17, 2018
However, fan sentiment isn’t going to tip the scales. Nor will the media. It takes two to tango and so far the Union has no dance partner.
First and foremost, the owners will have to agree among themselves. Further, the next time it could even be possible to negotiate actual change with the Union would be when the next Collective Bargaining Agreement is expected go into effect – for the 2022 season.
In the meantime, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred quickly nipped Clark’s “gaining momentum” declaration in the bud. After all, who is going to pay those 15 additional higher salaries? His constituency is who.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, on the possibility of the universal DH: "The most likely outcome right now remains the status quo."
— Ryan Fagan (@ryanfagan) July 17, 2018
On one point, at least, Manfred and I agree, and he is likely reflecting the thoughts of a majority of the National League owners. (Though his comment was jumbled, I get his sentiment.)
Commissioner Rob Manfred on universal DH: "If you get rid of the DH in the National League, there is a brand of baseball that is done. I think there is going to be some hesitation with respect to that."
— John Shea (@JohnSheaHey) July 17, 2018
So, in conclusion, given my limited bandwidth, I will not focus on the universal designed hitter for another three years. At that time, in the second half of 2021, hopefully negotiations for the next CBA will be underway. That is the only way this is ever going to be resolved, I predict.
In the meantime, all you fantasy owners (excepting those of us in NL-only formats), keep putting your designated hitters into your lineups just like always – and best of luck the rest of the way this season!
Brian Walton was the 2009 National League Tout Wars champion, scoring the most points in the league’s history. He also holds the all-time NL Tout single-season records for wins and saves. His work can also be found daily at TheCardinalNation.com. Follow Brian on Twitter.
