The universal DH is a mistake. Replacing the worst hitter by dropping in a competent hitter who is useless on defense only makes sense in an era that is starved for excitement. But it doesn’t solve the problem, as the DH is more likely to be a three-true-outcomes player. Designated hitters are not going to be Ichiro Suzuki or Jose Reyes types — guys who get on base or cause fun havoc when they do.
I’ve made the argument over and over again that the reformist principle of a universal DH, “Replace the worst hitting defensive player with a competent offensive player,” has no limiting principle. And I absolutely worry that people will begin imagining what it would be like to have an exciting playmaking center fielder or shortstop that doesn’t have to bat. The National League’s institutional commitment to the principle that players play both offense and defense is what allowed the DH to act as an exception to the rule and kept baseball from sliding toward offensive and defensive squads the world over.
And yet, I’m excited for Opening Day in a way I haven’t been for years.