Why many of us like the Designated Hitter

From the April 12 SF Giants at San Diego Padre's game. SF ace Tim Lincecum struggles again, throwing 46% balls, walking 3 and giving up 10 hits and 4 runs in 5 1/3 innings. It could have been worse. In the second inning, with 2 outs, SD's #6 and #7 hitters both single. Their number 8 hitter, Luis Rodriquez, walks "non-intentionally" on four pitches, bringing up the SD pitcher, Chris Young, who strikes out on three pitches.

In the third inning, the Padres score three runs and have runners on 2nd and 3rd base with two outs. Rodriquez is intentionally walked again. SD pitcher Chris Young manages a weak grounder this time, inning over.

Who is this feared #8 hitter, Luis Rodriquez? A career backup / utility man, good glove, with an OPS of .664 that may not even rate as "replacement level". Before today, he had one intentional walk in his career. The only reason he gets walked is that the next batter, pitcher Chris Young, has an even more pathetic .360 OPS.

Some may claim that this is "strategy" and good for the game. Bah humbug. If having a pitcher bat is so "strategic" and requires deep thought, how come pitchers always (except for Tony LaRussa) bat 9th? Pitchers almost always bunt when they should bunt, and #8 batters almost always get intentionally walked when they should get walked. It's not strategy or thinking, it has become routine practice.