Damn those 1800s rules

Literally a tough break for the Yankees, as Chien-Ming Wang broke his foot rounding third yesterday. He's likely out until September and joins Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy on the DL.

Given the beleaguered state of his starting rotation, I can understand why Hank Steinbrenner is upset, but I question his response that the National League needs "to grow up and join the 21st century."

Hank continues, "I've got my pitchers running the bases, and one of them gets hurt. He's going to be out. I don't like that, and it's about time they address it. That was a rule from the 1800s."

Now, I'll admit, that the NL rule seems at times a bit, well, quaint. But I like it. There is something satisfying about seeing a fire-balling ace pitcher step up to the plate and a) strike out trying to bunt or b) sending one over fences.

Secondly, I've always been a fan of the pinch hitter: the scrappy player, going out there with chip on his shoulder, looking to prove he deserves to start. Look at the Phillies' Greg Dobbs this year; while pinch hitting he is batting .457 with 16 hits and 11 RBI in 35 at bats...well on his way to breaking all pinch hitting records. Pretty cool and only happening in the NL.