Manfred On NL Not Adopting The DH: I Want To See Bartolo Colon Hit!
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Have you ever seen a Bartolo Colon at-bat?
If you haven't, you're missing out.
Good, bad or ugly, on thing's for sure: If you watch the Mets' pitcher hit -- or attempt to hit -- you're sure to be entertained.
With that in mind, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred was recently asked about the National League adopting the designated hitter.
He used Colon as an example of why the pitcher should continue to hit in the NL.
WATCH: ROTUND RIGHTY BARTOLO COLON STROKES RBI DOUBLE
"Not having National League pitchers hit would deprive us of the entertainment that Bartolo Colon has given us this year," the executive said, according to MLB.com. "It's been a great source of entertainment for me. I don't know about for the rest of you, but it has been for me."
Manfred, of course, wasn't serious about Colon being a reason to stay away from the DH.
MUST-WATCH: BARTOLO COLON DRIVES IN FIRST RUN IN A DECADE
Addressing the issue honestly, the commish reiterated that the current format -- designated hitter in the American League, no designated hitter in the NL -- is more than likely here to stay for the foreseeable future.
"I don't worry very much about the difference between the two leagues," Manfred said, according to the website. "I think part of that is a result of the fact that almost my entire history of watching the game there's been a difference between the two leagues, and it's something that you get used to.
"I also think the difference in the rules is a topic that people love to debate, and I am a huge believer in the idea that if people are talking about baseball, that's a good thing for us. In general, my approach is status quo on that issue."
Colon, 42, is 8-3 this season with a 4.72 ERA. At the plate, he's hitting .143 (3-for-21) with a double and three RBIs.