Hank Steinbrenner: You Talk to Much

I hate the Yankees, let me rephrase that, I hate the Yankees' part owner and megaphone Hank Steinbrenner. 

Earlier this year he publicly blasted G.M. Brian Cashman, which I do not have that big of a problem with.  Steinbrenner is his boss and he has the right to do that, though it does not mean he needs to do it publicly. 

He was frustrated that his Yankees were off to a slow start.  It probably did not help that the Rays were crushing the Yankees, with a fraction of the salary. 

But last week Hank criticized the rules of baseball.  Hank said that it was time the National League came into the 20th and 21st century.  Hank wants the NL to change its rules and add the DH. 

Hank's verbal criticisms came when his ace pitcher Chin-Ming Wang hurt his foot while running the bases, something pitchers do not do in the American League.  However in the National League some pitchers pinch run, and when needed pinch hit, and know how to sacrifice themselves for the team.

The senior circuit was established in 1876 and little has changed, regarding the rules.  The players, equipment and the way the game is played has all changed. He has the right to have his opinion and I have mine.

I agree is some respects that the American League and National League should abide by the same rules.  None of the other major sports have different rules for their different leagues.  But if a change is in order than it is the American league that should revert back to the early 20th century.

The DH pretty much makes the manager obsolete. Choosing the lineup card, and making a pitching change is as difficult as it gets.  In the National League a good manager can make a mediocre team a champion. 

Whether or not to make the double switch, or leaving the pitcher in the game because his spot is due up next.  In the National League the bench plays an important role.  With out good pinch hitters, and runners a team will not succeed.

Baseball is about fundamentals, laying down a well-placed bunt and moving from first to third on a single to the right side. It is not about the three run homerun.  A DH will score more runs, and chicks do dig the long ball, but a purist should dig small ball.