MILWAUKEE -- Doug Melvin has an idea to solve the designated hitter debate: Instead of taking the bat completely out of pitchers' hands, allow National League teams to designate a player on each bench to pinch-hit twice in a game. That would reduce the likelihood of a high-priced starting pitcher getting hurt swinging a bat and also help managers deal with benches squeezed by expanding bullpens, all while preserving some of the strategy unique to NL play.
"That's my hybrid idea," Melvin said. "Offensive numbers for pitchers are worse than ever, and there's nothing more depressing than when you've got a rally going and all of a sudden, the pitcher comes up with the bases loaded, two outs and no chance.