It's Official: Astros to AL for 2013

[Fritz]

Nothing like seeing bases loaded and two outs with the pitcher at the plate taking three feeble swings and walking back to the dugout.

[Fritz]

Well, not necessarily. You're creating 16 more full time offensive jobs. Those aren't going to be filled with studs out of nowhere.

Those 16 replacement level hitters will still murder the overall numbers put up by pitchers.

[Jay]

Seriously whats next replacing a catcher with a designated hitter because they typically suck at hitting and then won't be required to take off their gear to bat.

[jOOj]

I don't think that's going to happen.

[Ramp]

not that many good DHs to begin with.... the pitcher hitting is fine with me

[Mainge]

Seriously whats next replacing a catcher with a designated hitter because they typically suck at hitting and then won't be required to take off their gear to bat.

I'm down.

Just Kidding. :-)

[jOOj]

No wonder the Dodgers are working on getting Treanor.

[Omar]

Regardless, how is improving the on-field product a bad thing?

When all players sucked at hitting way back when, it didn't matter because everyone pretty much sucked. Nowadays, the hitters are so good and the pitchers aren't that it's a waste of time. It's essentially a formality when a pitcher comes up to bat. There's nothing enjoyable or exciting about seeing a guy go up to the plate and not even try in 90% of game situations.

This is a HUGE assumption. The on-field product in the AL is not better at all.

Games in the NL are faster, for one, which is baseball's biggest issue. This goes in the opposite direction and it's a sad day for the sport. Secondly, of course, the games are just more interesting - AL games are pretty boring.

I would be ridiculously against this. I'd probably stop watching non-Marlins games for the most part. I already don't watch the American League as it is because I find it incredibly boring.

[Miamarlin21]

I like how there is a lot more "strategy" in the National League. I love me a double switch and having to think ahead with pinch hitting for the pitcher, ect.

[Fritz]

I don't see all that much strategy. Pitcher can't hit so sub in a guy that hits better. Boom.

[MiamiHomer]

We'll never have moments like when Kerry Wood hit a 3 run jack to time a game in the NLCS.

[Ramp]

so I guess we have interleague all year long now (15 teams in NL and AL)

[Omar]

Keeerry Wood has homered

[Namaste]

Having the pitcher hit sucks. It's like forcing the punter to line up at RB and take a handoff once every quarter.

Having the pitcher hit definitely does not suck.

It's a good thing that they have to step in the box.

All about accountability.

[Bobbob1313]

I don't see all that much strategy. Pitcher can't hit so sub in a guy that hits better. Boom.

Matchups don't get considered?