Joe Benigno has already accepted the idea of a designated hitter in the National League.
According to former MLB general manager Jim Bowden, there is a belief that the DH will make its way into the NL "as early as 2021." The MLB Players Association reportedly pushed for the role be introduced last season, and it could soon become a reality.
"I wish the DH was in the National League this year because then (Yoenis) Cespedes would just be the DH," Benigno said. "... but I know it's coming though. I have accepted it ... Because I know it's coming. I would be more than glad to say, 'you know what we'll take the DH, let's get rid of interleague play. I would make that trade."
Benigno's co-host, Evan Roberts, is not on board with the idea.
"I don't like it," Roberts said. "I'm not going to close my eyes and say, 'oh great, the DH is coming. I'll learn to live with it.' I hate it. I think it's a terrible idea. I'd like to keep the league separate."
Instead, Roberts proposed a compromise, where the American and National League abide by a different set of rules involving the DH.
"I will gladly allow American League rules in every interleague game," Roberts said. "Doesn't matter where the game is. In National League only games, pitcher hits. Keep our rules. You know why I'm doing that? I'm so sick and tired of baby American League fans cry about, 'oh the pitcher's got to hit. He may get hurt!' Every time there's an interleague game, they hate it. ... I am willing — because I'm a compromiser — to let them get their way. Every interleague game features the DH. The only thing I'm not willing to bend on is the World Series."
The WFAN host suggested the All Star Game winner should be allowed to use their rules in the World Series. If not, the team with the better record will decide which rules will be used.
I'm making a deal with my friends in the American League," Roberts said. "I'm giving you the DH in interleague play. It's yours! So you know going into those 19 interleague games, Cespedes can DH. Everybody's happy. But for those other National League only games, take your hands off of my league, American League fans. You stay to yourself. I stay to myself. And everybody's happy."
Click the audio player above to listen to the open from "Benigno and Roberts"
