Orange Base

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Because, if they ever want to use the DP/FLEX during the course of the game, then they must start the game with it.

And that is fine, but why not just leave the player there? All the coach has done here is abuse a player's eligibilty.

If you have a team that doesn't have 10 people who can play at least one portion of the game, you might want to start looking for another team.

[Dakota]

Here's the rationale I've heard for this move.

Starting pitcher is also a very good with the bat. Relief pitcher is not.

Starting pitcher is entered as DP, relief pitcher as FLEX. Once the lineup is accepted, DP plays defense for FLEX. If a relief pitcher is needed, she re-enters as FLEX, and DP continues to bat.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Here's the rationale I've heard for this move.

Starting pitcher is also a very good with the bat. Relief pitcher is not.

Starting pitcher is entered as DP, relief pitcher as FLEX. Once the lineup is accepted, DP plays defense for FLEX. If a relief pitcher is needed, she re-enters as FLEX, and DP continues to bat.

So, just another rule, in this case meant to increase participation, becomes a game strategy and fails to achieve it's purpose unless the starting pitcher falters.

Another reason I am not a fan of specialty rules.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

So, just another rule, in this case meant to increase participation, becomes a game strategy and fails to achieve it's purpose unless the starting pitcher falters.

Another reason I am not a fan of specialty rules.

Well, I suppose the DP/FLEX rule could be argued as a participation rule, but at its core, it is a DH rule, which is intended to either provide offensive punch to the game (e.g. AL) or protect the pitcher (pretty much all amateur baseball), much like the courtesy runner rule for pitchers.

However, it seems to me that all the extra bits in the DP/FLEX rule over a simple DH rule are there precisely to allow coaches to use it strategically, and not just for participation. Otherwise, the EP rules are much easier to deal with.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Well, I suppose the DP/FLEX rule could be argued as a participation rule, but at its core, it is a DH rule, which is intended to either provide offensive punch to the game (e.g. AL) or protect the pitcher (pretty much all amateur baseball), much like the courtesy runner rule for pitchers.

However, it seems to me that all the extra bits in the DP/FLEX rule over a simple DH rule are there precisely to allow coaches to use it strategically, and not just for participation. Otherwise, the EP rules are much easier to deal with.

If you like, I could check with one of the former NUS members who I believe was one of the authors of the original rule. I run into him a couple times a month. I'll probably see his son Monday night.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

If you like, I could check with one of the former NUS members who I believe was one of the authors of the original rule. I run into him a couple times a month. I'll probably see his son Monday night.

Go ahead, but the key question is "why is the DP/FLEX not just an EP rule if the goal is participation?"

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Go ahead, but the key question is "why is the DP/FLEX not just an EP rule if the goal is participation?"

So there is a place for the person which has limited skills to participate.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

So, just another rule, in this case meant to increase participation, becomes a game strategy and fails to achieve it's purpose unless the starting pitcher falters.

Another reason I am not a fan of specialty rules.

I'm a fan of the EH rule in slow-pitch. It's especially nice in coed so the s**tty hot chick who can't catch or throw a damn can still bat, even if she can't hold up the bat, but does a good job of holding up her, ummm, rack while holding the bat.

Seriously, the EH rule in slow-pitch is a good one. It allows some teams who have so many good players to let one hit and still be flexible enough to allow him to switch interchangeably with someone in the field for defense. It's more used by the travel type teams than the rec type teams. I've used it plenty in men's ball when I was coaching.