The designated hitter has been a controversial subject for baseball since its introduction. It’s all I’ve ever known in my lifetime, but, at the same time, as a baseball purist, I believe pitchers should hit. If nothing else, pitchers batting makes for more interesting strategy.

That having been said, I do believe the DH should be considered for the Most Valuable Player Award, and I disagree with the unwritten policy of disregarding DHs because they don’t play in the field. The Most Valuable Player award, by definition, should go to the person who, by virtue of his play, makes the biggest difference for his team (this same argument can be applied to pitchers, who many think should be ignored for the MVP because they have the separate Cy Young Award).

This is the problem that Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz faces in the MVP voting this year. Ortiz’s clutch hitting this year has been among the best in baseball hitting. Absolutely unreal, uncanny. He singlehandedly has changed the face of countless Sox games, with game-winning hits in the bottom of the ninth while leading the American League in home runs and RBIs. Let alone the pyschological effect on the opposing pitcher, and the strategy shifts by the opposing team. Ortiz will also do whatever it takes to help his team–few power hitters have ever been as willing as he is to bunt to beat a shift.

No player in baseball does more for his team than Ortiz. Just because he is the DH does not mean he should be ignored for the MVP. This is not a case of an older player extending his career by hitting only. Ortiz is in his prime, and if the AL did not have the DH, Ortiz would be the everyday first baseman. His bat is just too valuable.

I just don’t understand network programming execs.

For years now people have lamented how very few new shows are given a chance to grow and find their audience. I’ve previously commented on how the nets have taken the tact of the studios, placing all bets on the big opening. If a new show doesn’t hit high ratings within the first couple episodes, it usually goes off the air pretty quickly these days.

But today I’m scratching my head about the actual placement of shows. For example, ABC has taken it’s now third-year hit and moved it up against the #1 show in television, CSI, which has held it’s Thursday 9PM slot for ages.

Once in a while, these moves work out. Usually, their suicide for the moving show. ABC would love to do some damage to the CBS stalwart, but more often then not the part of the audience that enjoys both shows tends to stay with the one already in place. It’s habit–call it television show inertia.

The same thing has occurred in the Sunday 8PM slot, easily the most competitive of the new year. The Amazing Race, The Simpsons, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, and Sunday Night Football, all up against each over. At least one of these will take a huge ratings plunge, if not two. With The Simpsons and Extreme Makeover firmly in place at that time, and the NFL always a juggernaut, I simply don’t understand why CBS would move The Amazing Race to this time. I’m afraid that the one reality show I truly enjoy is going to see its worst ratings ever.

Don’t mess with success.

… on my honeymoon! Between the wedding and the vacation afterwards, I haven’t had a chance to post anything in awhile. I should have some very good news on my personal career front to relate soon and hopefully somethings will arise to inspire my commentary, so keep your ears and eyes peeled!