Mets seek relief from another collapse

John, MI — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:14:16 GMT

Is it sad that the two CY Young winners this year are most likely both coming from teams not making the playoffs (AL-Lee, NL-Webb or Lincecum)

I know they only count for 1/5 of the games played, but just seems wrong.

Mets seek relief from another collapse

Dave Margolis, Studio City CA — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:05:50 GMT

It is far from proven that limiting pitch counts is the best approach in the long run. While there are numerous examples of "overworked" pitchers suffering injuries, is there a statistical record showing that injuries are less common among pitchers whose pitch counts have been limited? We all know of many guys who pitched hardly at all who have still been hurt. I realize that's anecdotal; that's my point--where are the stats? Further, if I pay a pitcher $15 million a year and burn him out after two years, it's possible that I may have gained in the long run through less dependence on an unreliable bullpen, less money spent of journeyman "situational" pitchers, and other factors. And the pitcher in question has $30 mil. Hell, maybe starters could learn the art of "pacing themselves" like in the old days. Currently, if a guy has a 30-pitch first inning, you know you're gonna work through most of your bullpen that game; there's no idea of having a guy settle down and give you 7-8 innings after that. In my opinion, pitch counts are more about ass-covering than protecting arms.