re: Revisiting an old argument: The designated hitter

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A five year old can figure out the double switch.

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I knew some AL guy would bring this up. Sure, the double switch may not take an intellectual giant to figure out, but it takes a lot more thought than just pulling a pitcher when he's clearly had enough.
Team A down by 1 in the 7th. Their pitcher still has some left in him and has pitched a great game. Do you put in a pinch hitter or do you let him finish the game? Your catcher has caught 4 games in a row. He's one of your best hitters. When do you sit him?
Clearly these often times have simple answers, but it's still a hell of a lot more mental stimulation than just putting that catcher at the DH or keeping your pitcher in because he won't waste an at bat.