The DH could be good for the Colorado Rockies, but I don’t have to like it

There is a quote from the 1994 film “Little Big League” that has always stuck with me. When discussing who should be the manager of the Minnesota Twins, it is suggested that the new owner of the team, who is 12 years old, should do it because “it’s the American League. They got the DH, how hard could it be?”

On Thursday, the MLB lockout finally ended after an excruciating 99 days. Among the things that were agreed upon was the adoption of the designated hitter in both American and National League, meaning the Colorado Rockies will have it in 2022 and beyond.

Goodbye to the days of pitching around a batter to get to the pitcher and the sacrifice bunt. While it may lead to more exciting baseball games and a better 2022 Colorado Rockies club, it doesn’t mean I have to like the designated hitter.

The Colorado Rockies could benefit from the DH but that doesn’t mean they should have it

The Colorado Rockies should benefit from the universal DH. Anytime there isn’t an automatic out in the lineup at Coors Field, the better. Manager Bud Black will now be able to save outfielder Charlie Blackmon from extensive wear and tear on the veteran’s aging legs throughout the season without taking his bat out of the middle of the lineup.

Black also now has the luxury of carrying one less bat on the bench and one more arm in the bullpen to help combat those long and grueling games in Denver. He is able to do this because he no longer has to worry about having to pinch-hit for the pitcher.

Now back to the quote from “Little Big League” and why I despise this move.

The DH removes a lot of the in-game strategy that even a 12-year-old would be able to manage a big-league club. Managers won’t have to deal with pulling a starting pitcher late in a game because he is due up in the lineup. Bullpen appearances can practically be scheduled pregame without having the threat of a surprise hitting match-up throwing a wrench in the plans. Finally, for Rockies fans, no more Germán Márquez earning another Silver Slugger Award.

Call me a baseball purist but it’s disappointing to see the strategy being taken out of the game.  It may lead to more runs and excitement but, in my opinion, if your name is on the lineup card, you should have to bat. Either way, at least the lockout is finally over and regular season Colorado Rockies baseball will return April 8th.