Pitch Counts DO Matter: See AJ Burnett and Jeff Torborg

[kcs261]

For anybody who thinks pitch counts don't matter, all you have to do is look at Jeff Torborg down in Florida. He's a big believer that they don't matter, and regularly lets his pitchers' throw 115-120+ pitchers. Well, all you have to do is look at his treatment of pitchers in Florida, to refute that argument.

A.J. Burnett can't stay healthy because of overuse.

Ryan Dempster was one of the most promising pitchers in baseball in 2000. But Torborg killed that guy, like Burnett, and he's never been the same since. Hopefully, Cincy will be able to rejuvinate his career.

Michael Tejera came on like gangbusters last year. But Torborg regularly let the guy throw 115-120 pitches, and he faded big time in the 2nd half.

Brad Penny hasn't been able to stay healthy much do to overuse.

Matt Clement didn't turn good until he went to Chicago last year. Hopefully, Dusty won't ruin him now.

etc. etc. etc.

Pitch counts with young pitchers do matter! It's the equivalent of not allowing little league pitchers throw breaking pitches!

[wrveres]

All of us Beckett owners should keep that in mind too. He will be an excellent trade around the break .. if he makes it ..

[sinicalypse]

burnett walked a good amount of batters over the last two years. 90 BB and 203 K = many pitches.

fortunately, i don't think that prior will walk even half as many batters as burnett did over the last two seasons. clement, on the other hand, does, so it'll be interesting to see how he holds up. i think he's a better pitcher than burnett in the first place, but i dont think he'll be forced to stay out there as much because burnett was the "ace" of the staff.