The late great Curt Flood was absolutely right. However, 40 years later free agency has murdered the game. Why was Adam Dunn in the lineup every day after the first half of the season? His salary. The White Sox were forced to play a guy that hurt the team rather than give somebody else a shot. Why do the words "stuck with" accurately apply to the lollygagging useless Alfonso Soriano?
Hell look at the way the current movie star players congratulate themselves after they get a hit - pointing to the sky and all that crap. Every member of the Milwaukee Brewers practically celebrate just for putting their mitt on.
Free agency spawned the putrid pitch count. In 1971 Fergie Jenkins started 38 games and threw 30 complete games. Didn't wreck his arm.
You could go on all day. A guy reaches first base and spends the next few minutes exchanging hand jobs with the opposing team's first baseman. You think Bob Gibson tolerate that? He'd fire the ball at his own first baseman's head.
Screw buying players. You can win without "stars." Run everything out, advance runners, and leave your damn starter in if he's pitching good.
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