A.J. Burnett’s fractured face would still be OK if National League used a DH

[El Supremo]

By David Brown | Big League Stew

(snip)

Burnett, who fouled a pitch off his face during batting practice Wednesday — ESPN has video — will have surgery Friday in Pittsburgh. At least it's not a pitching injury. Right?

This seems like a good time to bring up how pitchers batting is a bad idea and both leagues should use the designated hitter.

The American League adopted the DH in 1973, freeing its pitchers to fully concentrate on, well, pitching (aside from World Series appearances, that is). The NL has been stubborn about it, obviously, and we don't seem to be on the verge of change there. As a result, their pitchers spend valuable time practicing their hitting when they could be doing more pitcher-ly pursuits. The same goes for AL pitchers come interleague play.

(snip)

Before Bud Selig leaves the commissioner's office — if it ever happens — he ought to make it his mission to fully unite the leagues and make them play under the same rules. DHs for all! That way, the A.J. Burnetts of the future won't put their careers at risk messing around where they don't belong.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/mlb-big-league-stew/j-burnett-fractured-face-still-ok-nl-used-183054621.html;_ylt=ApF.DdAFO5rvToJMDXAFx3MRvLYF

[Jack Rabbit]

1. I agree with Mr. Brown that the big leagues should play BASEBALL by the smae rules

Dump the DH.

[cherokeeprogressive]

2. Agree.

If you put on a glove, you should also swing a bat.

[madinmaryland]

3. Hmmm. Based on that logic, everyone who plays defense should not be required to bat.

If you play defense, then you must play offense.

Dumb, El, just very dumb.

[Jack Rabbit]

4. Actually, by Mr. Brown's logic, pitchers shouldn't go to the mound, either

That will prevent any more pitchers from being hit by line drives, like Herb Score.

Then we can just have the hitters smack a ball off a tee, like in some little leagues. But at least we'd call it tee ball and not baseball.