Phillies

Great News, Because the Universal DH is Here

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: Feb 10th, 2022 · 11:43 AM EST

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Major League Baseball continues to lock out the players, but we have great news here:

Rob Manfred says the owners have officially accepted a universal DH while eliminating draft compensation for draft picks.

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) February 10, 2022

Universal DH is the way to go. Streamline the rules. Same blueprint for the American League and National League.

I’m sure Anthony and other old school guys will complain about the “integrity of the game” or say “there’s nothing wrong with baseball” or whatever, but the bottom line is that nobody pays to see Vince Velasquez strike out or lay down bunts. Pitchers pitch and hitters hit. Don Carman had a .057 batting average all time. In eight years with the Phillies, he hit the ball 12 times and knocked in four runs. Talk about excitement.

On a more serious note, universal DH helps the Phillies. J.T. Realmuto will not have to catch as many games. You can also get Rhys Hoskins and Alec Bohm off the field in some games where you need a better fielder in their place. Bryce Harper can get a “day off” without coming out of the lineup. It just adds flexibility where there previously was none.

Hopefully we’re moving things forward with the lockout, because is the time of the year where we get excited about pitchers and catchers reporting. We get excited about spring training and warm weather and Phillies baseball. God willing, both sides figure this thing out so we can play ball again, and the Phils can pursue their first playoff appearance since Obama’s first term.