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The DH originally had an important purpose to the AL. Back in '73 when the rule was added, the National League was much more popular then the AL. They had more stars, had won something like 15 of 16 All-Star games, etc. So, the AL decided to add this in to boost offensive production since even back then it was understood that chicks (and the average fan) dig the long ball. This provided an offensive boost that helped increase the popularity of AL teams. As a side benifit, it manages to lengthen the careers of aging superstars that can still hit.
Derwood, there is a reason why the PA has refused that compromise. The DH is more often then not a player that makes a LOT of money, pushing salaries up. If they did away with it and just added a roster spot, it would probably be just another guy making league minimum which drags salaries down.
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"Final thought: I just rented Michael Moore's Bowling for Columbine. Frankly, it was the worst sports movie I've ever seen."
--Peter Schmuck, The (Baltimore) Sun
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