Rogers: MLB sets up mechanism that could ban DH

To be fair, it’s premature to ask such a potentially provocative question. But thanks to Commissioner Bud Selig’s decision to turn recommendations for on-field matters over to a newly created version of the NFL’s Competition Committee, the DH rule could face its first real threat since the American League accepted it permanently for the 1976 season, after a three-year experiment that began as a way to create run scoring and increase attendance.

Nothing in baseball during the modern era has sparked stronger feelings than the DH rule. The AL has used it for 37 seasons, but the National League never has considered it strongly.

Selig’s 14-member committee to consider all on-field issues, which was announced on Tuesday, will not have formal authority. It includes four current managers, four current or former general managers and four ownership representatives, along with MLB official Frank Robinson and journalist/baseball fan George Will.

Selig said he will “be guided by what this committee comes up with” on matters including “scheduling, postseason format, umpiring, pace of play and instant replay.” The commissioner did not mention the DH rule, but Cardinals manager Tony La Russa and longtime Braves executive John Schuerholz, who joined Selig on a conference call, both listed it as the one thing they potentially would change if they could.

...La Russa said he would be in favor of eliminating the DH, except for the All-Star Game.

“I think the game is more complete without the DH,” he said.

Then do away with LRLRLRLRLRLROOGY’s if you want more complete games!