Orange Base

[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.

I think the whole DP/FLEX/EH schtick got started because someone filed an ADA lawsuit, so it was aimed to "satisfy" the ADA and increase participation.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Ref Ump Welsch

I think the whole DP/FLEX/EH schtick got started because someone filed an ADA lawsuit, so it was aimed to "satisfy" the ADA and increase participation.

These type of rules preceded the ADA.

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

These type of rules preceded the ADA.

If it wasn't the ADA, then it could have been another disability law that applies to ASA as a part of USA Softball, which gets funding from the USOC which gets funding from Congress. There's connections in which someone could have sued using one of the disability laws. I distinctly remember there was a person from Nebraska who sued the ASA because the rules didn't allow for her to play.

If these rules we're discussing were enacted before 1990 (and I don't remember them from back then), then they did predate the ADA.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

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

OK, you have the DH rule if you have a defensive specialist who can't bat and a slugger with no defensive skills. You have the EP rule for the 10,11,12... player batting order with "pick your 9" on defense. Those are easier to remember and administer than DP/FLEX, so why all the extra bits to the DP/FLEX rule? Why not just adopt one/both of the DH or EP rules?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Dakota

OK, you have the DH rule if you have a defensive specialist who can't bat and a slugger with no defensive skills. You have the EP rule for the 10,11,12... player batting order with "pick your 9" on defense. Those are easier to remember and administer than DP/FLEX, so why all the extra bits to the DP/FLEX rule? Why not just adopt one/both of the DH or EP rules?

Probably morphed from years of coaches abusing the rules to gain a strategic advantage.

Personally, I really don't care for any of them. Play 9/10, hit 9/10, field 9/10.