To reduce costs, MLB to cut game positions by 20 percent

NEW YORK _ Facing a drop in revenues, Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig today announced a 20 percent across-the-board cut in positions for the 2009 season.


The move means American League teams will no longer use designated hitters, and both leagues will play only two outfielders.


Officials noted, however, that teams can shift their seven fielders any way they wish. The Yankees, for example, might choose to not cut stationary 2B Robinson Cano and leave the outfielders.


"Due to the bursting of the luxury suite bubble, baseball needs cuts," Selig said. "Defenses simply have to field more with less."


Selig denied that the loss of an outfielder will increase run production, noting that the new 8-man batting order requires pitchers to bat more often.


"We simulated a full season on Strat-o-Matic, and it's a wash," Selig said. "Fans will love the new, faster game, which will have more inside-the-park home runs, the most exciting play in baseball!"


Selig said eliminating two starters should save each MLB team at least $10 million in salaries, except for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who will save an estimated $33,000, (not including benefits.)


In other news, PGA officials said the revamped 2009 Masters Pitch-&-Putt Tournament will spur excitment in the sport of golf.

"That 18th hole is crazy," an official said. "They putt through the blades of a turning windmill, with a hole-in-one winning a free game!"