Hank Steinbrenner - What a whiner!!!

[71chevellejohn]

Who lets Hank Steinbrenner around a microphone??
First he spouts off about how much better the Yankees are than the Red Sox(haven't seen any proof this year) and now the NL needs to join the 21st Century because the NL pitchers know how to run without hurting themselves??

My only message is simple. The National League needs to join the 21st century...They need to grow up and join the 21st century.....Am I mad about it? Yes, I've got my pitchers running the bases, and one of them gets hurt. He's going to be out. I don't like that, and it's about time they address it. That was a rule from the 1800s....This is always a concern of American League teams when their pitchers have to run the bases and they're not used to doing it, It's not just us. It's everybody. It probably should be a concern for National League owners, general managers and managers when their pitchers run the bases. Pitchers have enough to do without having to do that.


Last time I checked batting and running the bases was part of the game. If his pitchers can't run the bases without getting injured he should enforce a Yankee rule that the pitchers don't swing - that way they don't get on base and therefore don't have to run. Sure they are only going to get 2 outs in the inning the pitcher is due up, but they won't be injured from running. And make sure they enforce it during the playoffs if they can even make it there in the near future.

Or maybe they should train all pitchers to hit/run and the league drops the Designated Hitter rule altogether!

/rant off

[FWT03Term]

He owns the winningest, most valueable sports franchise in the world. He can say and think anything he wants. Sure he is whining about losing his ace, but I might do the same in his shoes. Let's see if maybe he get's some other owners to make some noise about the issue.

Edit - Besides, he is more of a blowhard than a whiner. Trying to fill the old mans shoes is a tall order for boy Hank.

[Slowhand]

He's a Steinbrenner; what do you expect?

[Big Studly]

He has got a point. I wouldn't want my ace running the bases if he wasn't used to it. Sure, it is part of the game, but so is pitching, and you don't see Derek Jeter stepping in to close out a game.

I think the differences in the two leagues is part of what makes baseball so great. It makes the All Star Game and World Series like a classic battle of not only which team is better, but which league is better. It is not like the Superbowl, Stanley Cup or NBA Finals.

[That_Is_My_El_Camino]

"I think there should be a constitutional amendment outlawing Astroturf and the designated hitter."

[Trip McNeely]

I went to Saturdays game. What a blow out. It was cool to see the Yanks.

[94StangFiveO]

Don't all players end up learning how to bat and run bases when they are young? I can recall back when I played hardball I knew how to hit and run regardless of if I played infield, outfield or, OH NO, pitched! It's part of the fucking game.

[FWT03Term]

Don't all players end up learning how to bat and run bases when they are young? I can recall back when I played hardball I knew how to hit and run regardless of if I played infield, outfield or, OH NO, pitched! It's part of the fucking game.

Big difference between hitting in little league and MLB. Today, in MLB, hitting is not really part of the game for pitchers, even in the National League. If a pitcher gets a hit, it's gravy. It only comes into play from a managerial decision making standpoint pinch hitting for pitchers in certain situations.

[FWT03Term]

"I think there should be a constitutional amendment outlawing Astroturf and the designated hitter."

Amen on the astroturf but not on the DH.

[That_Is_My_El_Camino]

The DH has only been around for 35 years. Pitchers, managers, and owners didn't bitch and whine about it before then. Seriously, why should a pitcher not have to focus on being an all-around player like the 8 guys on the field behind him?

[FWT03Term]

The DH has only been around for 35 years. Pitchers, managers, and owners didn't bitch and whine about it before then. Seriously, why should a pitcher not have to focus on being an all-around player like the 8 guys on the field behind him?

Because he is not an all around player. Today, he is a starter or a long reliever, a set up man or a closer. Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate the game without the DH but with the way pitching is so specialized, I like baseball with a DH better. It's a better, more exciting product.

[jewozzy]

Because he is not an all around player. Today, he is a starter or a long reliever, a set up man or a closer. Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate the game without the DH but with the way pitching is so specialized, I like baseball with a DH better. It's a better, more exciting product.

Texiera was on GAC today and was talking about how much more stratagy there is in the NL i personally feel that pitchers should have to hit.

[That_Is_My_El_Camino]

Because he is not an all around player. Today, he is a starter or a long reliever, a set up man or a closer. Don't get me wrong, I can appreciate the game without the DH but with the way pitching is so specialized, I like baseball with a DH better. It's a better, more exciting product.I can understand pitchers not throwing 150+ pitches a game or even going much past the 7th inning. Really. They're big investments, it's hard on their bodies, and it's hard to stay effective for that long. I'm definitely not a fan of it, not in the least.

That said, baseball would be much more exciting to me if the pitchers hit. The idea of the designated hitter just really sucks.

[Big Studly]

I can understand pitchers not throwing 150+ pitches a game or even going much past the 7th inning. Really. They're big investments, it's hard on their bodies, and it's hard to stay effective for that long. I'm definitely not a fan of it, not in the least.

That said, baseball would be much more exciting to me if the pitchers hit. The idea of the designated hitter just really sucks.

But without the DH, Sosa might have been a Ranger for a lot longer (the first time around), Bonds and Aaron wouldn't be a the top of the home run list. Reggie, Eddie Murray, Dave Winfield , Brett & Militor all were DH's at the end of their career.

Would it really be more exciting? I mean, you could potentially cut short (well, not extend) the career of some of the best players to ever play the game. Doesn't that bring back a little element of excitement to off set the other?

[FWT03Term]

I can understand pitchers not throwing 150+ pitches a game or even going much past the 7th inning. Really. They're big investments, it's hard on their bodies, and it's hard to stay effective for that long. I'm definitely not a fan of it, not in the least.

That said, baseball would be much more exciting to me if the pitchers hit. The idea of the designated hitter just really sucks.

To each his own. I would still love the game either way. Red Sox Bartolo Colon also was injured on the basepaths a few days ago.

Now, if I was a pitcher, I'd want to be in the NL. I'd get to hit and every ninth batter would be a pitcher that would help my strickout total. :D There have been a few pitchers that hit pretty well though.

[FWT03Term]

The sports section of today's Star Telegram has a very sarcastic piece about Hanks comments/whining. Yankees are hot right now :)

[That_Is_My_El_Camino]

But without the DH, Sosa might have been a Ranger for a lot longer (the first time around), Bonds and Aaron wouldn't be a the top of the home run list.How's that?Reggie, Eddie Murray, Dave Winfield , Brett & Militor all were DH's at the end of their career.I know this. I just don't like the thought process - "Hey, this guy can still hit but can't play in the field. Let's DH him."

[Big Studly]

How's that?

how is what? Harold Baines wouldn't have been around, so the Rangers couldn't have traded for him, which cost the Rangers Sosa and Wilson Alvarez. Both Bonds and Aaron were DH's at the end of their career. Now, I didn't add up the HR's from DH only to see where they would be, but you get the point.

[Big Studly]

"Hey, this guy can still hit but can't play in the field. Let's DH him."

Playing Devils Advocate, how is that different than a closer in baseball? "Hey, this guy throws hard, has a good out pitch, but he doesn't have any stamina or really know how to pitch, lets let him close it out and just throw gas for one inning".

[ClockwrkOrangeS4]

Baseball players are fucking pussies.... all of them. Hit the fucking ball. Jesus christ. If you can't (meaning you can but won't) hit a god damn baseball, you shouldn't be playing fucking baseball. Regardless of how fast you can throw one.



They shouldn't let catchers hit either, being bent down all day and stuff. Give me a fucking break.



I say that whenever you choose not to let your pitcher go to bat, you get an automatic out. Better yet, force him to bat, nobody says he has to swing. He gets a walk, great. He gets struck out, oh well. He gets hit by a pitch, too damn bad.

[Juiceweezl]

Playing Devils Advocate, how is that different than a closer in baseball? "Hey, this guy throws hard, has a good out pitch, but he doesn't have any stamina or really know how to pitch, lets let him close it out and just throw gas for one inning".
Bonds a DH? In San Francisco??? Are you drunk? Aaron may have finished his career as a DH, but he did his damage playing right field. I hate the DH, but I'm an NL guy. If the AL wants it, fine, but don't whine about it when you play in an NL park. If you don't like it, drop interleague play.

[slow93stang]

But without the DH, Sosa might have been a Ranger for a lot longer (the first time around), Bonds and Aaron wouldn't be a the top of the home run list. Reggie, Eddie Murray, Dave Winfield , Brett & Militor all were DH's at the end of their career.

Would it really be more exciting? I mean, you could potentially cut short (well, not extend) the career of some of the best players to ever play the game. Doesn't that bring back a little element of excitement to off set the other?
how was bonds a DH when he played in NL??

[Big Studly]

Bonds a DH? In San Francisco???

DOH, I honestly have no idea what I was thinking. Fuck I am out of it today.

You get the point though. Fact is, the DH is an intergral part of the game now, just like a starting pitcher is good for 7 innings, then you have set up men and closers, vs. the good 'ol days when guys would throw complete games twice a week. Regardless, the rules are the rules and if they are going to bitch about them, then either limit your starter to an inning or so and pinch hit for him every time, or let him lay down a sacrifice every time.

[FWT03Term]

[QUOTE=ClockwrkOrangeS4]Baseball players are fucking pussies.... all of them. Hit the fucking ball. Jesus christ. If you can't (meaning you can but won't) hit a god damn baseball, you shouldn't be playing fucking baseball. Regardless of how fast you can throw one.QUOTE] :eek: :confused:

[SS Junk]

fuck baseball

[That_Is_My_El_Camino]

how is what? Harold Baines wouldn't have been around, so the Rangers couldn't have traded for him, which cost the Rangers Sosa and Wilson Alvarez. Both Bonds and Aaron were DH's at the end of their career. Now, I didn't add up the HR's from DH only to see where they would be, but you get the point.See, that's where I disagree. If the guy was a good enough hitter to be a full-time DH, surely they could teach him how to play first base, or at the very least try, so they could keep him on the team.Playing Devils Advocate, how is that different than a closer in baseball? "Hey, this guy throws hard, has a good out pitch, but he doesn't have any stamina or really know how to pitch, lets let him close it out and just throw gas for one inning".It's not. I hate the specialization of pitching, too.

[Big Studly]

See, that's where I disagree. If the guy was a good enough hitter to be a full-time DH, surely they could teach him how to play first base, or at the very least try, so they could keep him on the team.It's not. I hate the specialization of pitching, too.

I agree on the specialized pitching, what a terrible concept.

On the other point though, age will wear your ass down...I am only 32 and I can already start to empathize. Even playing first you have to be pretty active, digging balls out of the dirt, stretching out, being the cut-off man, running down a ball in foul territory. That stuff takes a toll eventually. I don't think it is the fact that they can't do it, it is the added stress on the body and muscles. I am sure those guys sit in a whirlpool after the game, just being a 38 year old DH. Look at Frank Thomas, he was a 1st baseman all of his career and is now just a DH.

[That_Is_My_El_Camino]

It's just my opinion. I think the game would be a lot more interesting (maybe not exciting) if there were no DH.

And I misquoted earlier. It should've been, "I believe there ought to be a constitutional amendment outlawing Astroturf and the designated hitter." :o

[ClockwrkOrangeS4]

I agree on the specialized pitching, what a terrible concept.

On the other point though, age will wear your ass down...I am only 32 and I can already start to empathize. Even playing first you have to be pretty active, digging balls out of the dirt, stretching out, being the cut-off man, running down a ball in foul territory. That stuff takes a toll eventually. I don't think it is the fact that they can't do it, it is the added stress on the body and muscles. I am sure those guys sit in a whirlpool after the game, just being a 38 year old DH. Look at Frank Thomas, he was a 1st baseman all of his career and is now just a DH.


Are they athletes or not? I used to have a job where I couldn't do everything that was asked and they let me go. I didn't make 5 million dollars a year not being able to do what was required of me.

[That_Is_My_El_Camino]

Are they athletes or not? I used to have a job where I couldn't do everything that was asked and they let me go. I didn't make 5 million dollars a year not being able to do what was required of me.It's just like with any other sport - if they can get somebody that can play the position (DH included) better, they'll replace the old guy.

[Big Studly]

It's just my opinion. I think the game would be a lot more interesting (maybe not exciting) if there were no DH.

And I misquoted earlier. It should've been, "I believe there ought to be a constitutional amendment outlawing Astroturf and the designated hitter." :o

I will agree with that, interesting over exciting.

[Big Studly]

Are they athletes or not? I used to have a job where I couldn't do everything that was asked and they let me go. I didn't make 5 million dollars a year not being able to do what was required of me.

yea, and the don't ask the S.S. to come in and close a game out either.

[FWT03Term]

Are they athletes or not? I used to have a job where I couldn't do everything that was asked and they let me go. I didn't make 5 million dollars a year not being able to do what was required of me.

This was a legitimate debate with both sides having valid arguments...except you :D

[ClockwrkOrangeS4]

This was a legitimate debate with both sides having valid arguments...except you :D

Are you serious?

Baseball players should be able to play baseball or they don't belong in baseball. That's my point, and it's valid.

[That_Is_My_El_Camino]

Are you serious?

Baseball players should be able to play baseball or they don't belong in baseball. That's my point, and it's valid.Can everybody that plays hockey be a goalie? If the answer is no, they don't belong in hockey.

[ClockwrkOrangeS4]

Can everybody that plays hockey be a goalie? If the answer is no, they don't belong in hockey.

Horrible example. I'm not saying everyone should pitch, or play first base, or be a catcher. They should all be able to bat and run.

All hockey players can skate. Apparently not all baseball players can run or hit a baseball.

[Big Studly]

Can everybody that plays hockey be a goalie? If the answer is no, they don't belong in hockey.

what a unique concept, different positions for people with different skill sets!

I say screw it, lets give Gerald Laird a day off from catching, stick him in Centerfield and let Josh Hamilton come in and catch. Shouldn't be a problem at all because, afterall, it is just baseball. I am sure Laird could run down a ball in the gap with ease.

[ClockwrkOrangeS4]

what a unique concept, different positions for people with different skill sets!

I say screw it, lets give Gerald Laird a day off from catching, stick him in Centerfield and let Josh Hamilton come in and catch. Shouldn't be a problem at all because, afterall, it is just baseball. I am sure Laird could run down a ball in the gap with ease.

Here is another concept. Offense and defense. As I stated, I don't expect a catcher to be a good center fielder. I do expect everyone that is in the game to try and hit the damn ball and run when the bases (if need be) when they are on offense.

[That_Is_My_El_Camino]

Horrible example. I'm not saying everyone should pitch, or play first base, or be a catcher. They should all be able to bat and run.

All hockey players can skate. Apparently not all baseball players can run.I agree, and they all do (although American League pitchers only have to hit and run a few times per game when they're playing in a National League park), just some better than others.

The debate here is which rules should apply when an American League team is playing in a National League park. American League pitchers can hit and run but rarely, if ever, have an opportunity to do it.

[ClockwrkOrangeS4]

How about baseball has two completely separate squads per team. One set of guys will field, the other will bat and run bases.

[Big Studly]

Here is another concept. Offense and defense. As I stated, I don't expect a catcher to be a good center fielder. I do expect everyone that is in the game to try and hit the damn ball and run when the bases (if need be) when they are on offense.

you are assuming that most of the pitchers in the NL try and hit the ball and run hard on the bases.

[ClockwrkOrangeS4]

I agree, and they all do (although American League pitchers only have to hit and run a few times per game when they're playing in a National League park), just some better than others.

The debate here is which rules should apply when an American League team is playing in a National League park. American League pitchers can hit and run but rarely, if ever, have an opportunity to do it.

Wouldn't the pitchers have as many at bats as any other player on the team? That's the way it should be anyway. Regardless of which 'league' they are in. Why are there different rules for one side anyway?

Isn't that kinda like telling half of the NFL that kickers in the Western Conference have to kick the ball every once in a while? ( A bad comparison really, but hopefully you get my point).

[That_Is_My_El_Camino]

Wouldn't the pitchers have as many at bats as any other player on the team? That's the way it should be anyway. Regardless of which 'league' they are in. Why are there different rules for one side anyway?

Isn't that kinda like telling half of the NFL that kickers in the Western Conference have to kick the ball every once in a while? ( A bad comparison really, but hopefully you get my point).No, starting pitchers only pitch once every 4 or 5 games (on average). They usually don't go any longer than the 7th inning (if that). In the National League, that's a minimum of 2 at bats for the ninth-place hitter, every 4 or 5 days. With a pinch hitter or two, the setup man and closer might not even have to bat. Maybe 100 at-bats per starting pitcher for the whole 162 game season.

In the American League, the pitchers only have to bat when they're playing in a National League park, and how many games is that? I'll be generous and say 40. Assuming there are no changes to the 5-man starting rotation, each starting pitcher will pitch about 8-10 games in National League parks, which will only give them around 20 at bats on the whole season.

The different rules for the two leagues is stupid, in my opinion, but it's been that way since '73.

[FWT03Term]

No DH = Strategy

DH = More hits/runs

Maybe this thread proves that the way it is now, with both leagues different, is the best way. I like the strategy, decision making part but I like the DH better.

To say that Baseball players are pussies or not great athletes is just rediculous.

[ClockwrkOrangeS4]

No DH = Strategy

DH = More hits/runs

Maybe this thread proves that the way it is now, with both leagues different, is the best way. I like the strategy, decision making part but I like the DH better.

To say that Baseball players are pussies or not great athletes is just rediculous.

Eh, I said what I have to say. If you're playing in the game, you should have to bat. If you don't bat when it is your turn, you get an out charged to your team.

[FWT03Term]

Eh, I said what I have to say. If you're playing in the game, you should have to bat. If you don't bat when it is your turn, you get an out charged to your team.


Little league mentality :D


J/K...That's probably the way Babe Ruth would see it.

[That_Is_My_El_Camino]

LMAOnaise! Millwood just scored from first base, and then got to go out and pitch after the next batter grounded out.

[Sean88gt]

The DH has only been around for 35 years. Pitchers, managers, and owners didn't bitch and whine about it before then. Seriously, why should a pitcher not have to focus on being an all-around player like the 8 guys on the field behind him?

Because old hitters need jobs too!

[FWT03Term]

Laird just went down in a heap after reaching base. Hammi is what it appears to be.

[That_Is_My_El_Camino]

Because old hitters need jobs too!Two words: bench coach.

[FWT03Term]

Two words: bench coach.

Or one word : Alcoholic :D