Theo Epstein on DH in National League: ‘We can't count on it'

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Imagine a world where Kyle Schwarber's bat is in the Cubs' lineup every single day, yet there's no concern about what position he's playing.

If the designated hitter came to the National League, that could be a reality.

Schwarber is almost built for the DH spot - a supremely talented hitter without a true defensive position.

Even apart from Schwarber, the Cubs have plenty of reason to hope the designated hitter comes to the NL.

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They have so many young hitters already at the big league level, plus a slew of other prospects on the farm making their way through the system.

Where would everybody play?

It's a nice problem to have, but Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said he and his front office aren't anticipating a major shift on the DH front anytime soon.

"We have so many hitters coming, who wouldn't mind a DH and an extra lineup spot to get another bat in there?" Epstein said on a panel during the Cubs Convention at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Saturday. "But it's above our paygrade. It's really an issue for the commissioner and the owners.

"I just think we can't count on it. There are no indications the DH is coming anytime soon. So we're planning on building with the National League rules for years to come, emphasizing defense and versatility to be able to adjust."

The Cubs have certainly built a versatile roster, with so many key players - Schwarber, Ben Zobrist, Kris Bryant, Javier Baez, Jason Heyward - able to play multiple positions.

But Cardinals GM John Mozeliak actually has the opposite stance of Epstein, saying Saturday that he believes there is "more momentum" for the DH coming to the NL:

 

 

That would certainly help the Cubs' problem, but teams like the Cardinals are pushing for it because they saw firsthand how pitchers hitting can hurt a team when ace Adam Wainwright was lost for most of 2015 tore his Achilles running out of the box in April 25.

[RELATED - Cubs: Jason Heyward takes the high road in war of words with Cardinals]

No matter which way it works out, Cubs pitchers will still have to hit in 2016 - whether that be in the No. 8 spot in the lineup again is up to the "Mad Scientist" Joe Maddon.

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