Starting pitchers....overrated in April???

BernieKozar · Mar 31, 2005

Just wondering how many of you take into consideration how long a starting pitcher will work in games during the first few weeks of the season. I never bet a game in early April before checking to see how long the managers plan on using their starting pitchers.
I thought about this after seeing the early NY-Boston line. Johnson is probably an exception, because he may very well go out and work deep into the game. But MANY times, pitchers are on a short leash during their first few starts, and in most cases, the manager will announce that "so-and-so will only work five innings (or a set pitch count) today...."

Just something to ponder.

Glaken · Mar 31, 2005

I think early on getting through 5 1/2 innings is all that is expected while keeping a close eye on the pitch count. April games are tough to cap, I look for teams with a strong bullpen in the early weeks.

But as you mentioned some guys can go out there and throw 8 from the get-go.

Good Luck, G

Rainbow · Mar 31, 2005

I agree with you 100%. it will be alot of pitchers on pitch counts early in the season. even Randy Johnson I think the most he pitches is 7 innings, and thats stretching it.

Ego74 · Mar 31, 2005

yep, middle relief is key early in the season. Also an ideal time to go against the big chalk early on.

WildBill · Mar 31, 2005

Study past records, some guys are notorious slow starters and others are unhittable because they get up to speed quickly. The cool weather and timing generally mean pitchers start out ahead of hitters, but it doesn't last long.