Switch-Pitcher Called Up to Majors by A's

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http://www.paceadvantage.com/forum/showthread.php?p=545809

http://www.paceadvantage.com/forum/showthread.php?t=83638

Switch-pitcher Pat Venditte, previously mentioned (three years apart) in the two earlier threads above, has now been called up to the majors by the Oakland A's from their AAA farm club in Nashville.

[Ocala Mike]

As bad as they're doing, maybe they ought to call up a midget, a la Eddie Gaedel.

[horses4courses]

The A's might consider calling up Caitlyn Jenner :eek:

[Stillriledup]

Bad rule: he has to declare which arm he's going to use before the AB takes place.

[horses4courses]

Bad rule: he has to declare which arm he's going to use before the AB takes place.

What's bad about it?
He's at an advantage unless he faces a switch hitter.
Very few switch hitters hit equally well from both sides.

If the opposing manager changes the lineup, surely
the pitcher can change arms before facing a new batter?

[PhantomOnTour]

I'd like to see what kind of glove he wears - must be custom made to fit both hands.

[horses4courses]

I'd like to see what kind of glove he wears - must be custom made to fit both hands.

It is.
I saw a brief TV spot about it.
Very cool.

[Stillriledup]

What's bad about it?
He's at an advantage unless he faces a switch hitter.
Very few switch hitters hit equally well from both sides.

If the opposing manager changes the lineup, surely
the pitcher can change arms before facing a new batter?

It's a bad rule because a player has a talent to do something and you're not letting him use his body anyway he sees fit. If he switched arms mid batter it's strategy.

[horses4courses]

It's a bad rule because a player has a talent to do something and you're not letting him use his body anyway he sees fit. If he switched arms mid batter it's strategy.

It's a rare situation.
Baseball hasn't seen too many rule changes in a long history.
I think they're doing okay with this one.

Let's see how long he lasts, anyway.
It's a tough gig at "The Show".

[Marshall Bennett]

It's a bad rule because a player has a talent to do something and you're not letting him use his body anyway he sees fit. If he switched arms mid batter it's strategy.
I think it's a good rule. His team still has an advantage in that they don't have to go to the pen to bring in a pitcher to face a left/right handed batter. He won't tire as easily as he can share the load on each arm.
Then you want to break an old rule so he has an even greater advantage. I say no.

[JustRalph]

I hope he is successful. Baseball needs something of interest.....

[Robert Fischer]

Sounds cool.

I don't like that the rules are intended to nullify advantages/gimmicks before they even start...

[Bettowin]

Make switch hitters declare from which side they are going to bat the whole game to take away that advantage if you are going to take it away from the pitcher who can pitch with both arms:)