I’m not a huge proponent of pitch-counts, but Chris Tillman’s start for AAA Norfolk last night caught my eye.
Tillman pitched 6 innings, allowed 8 hits, 1 er, 1 bb, with 7 k’s. He threw 117 pitches in total (78 for strikes).
While 117 pitches is not quite Dusty Baker esque (See Kerry Wood and Mark Prior) – it is more pitches than you typically see a young starter make. I would venture to guess that Tillman has averaged roughly 100 pitches a start. Going from 100 to 117 is a 15% jump in total pitches, which makes this worth noting.
As I said I’m not a great proponent of pitch-counts. You could have a 60 pitch outing that is more strenuous than a 100 pitch outing. (Once you factor in weather, and game situations). I think you can watch the pitcher and see for yourself if his performance dictates he needs to be removed. Is he getting outs? Is he going deeper in counts? Has his velocity and movement decreased from the start of the game? I think those things matter more than hitting an arbitrary number.
Part of me really likes what Nolan Ryan is trying to establish with the Texas Rangers by getting away from pitch counts. It seems to me that too many MLB pitchers get to a certain number and they are done. Too many pitchers never seem able to deal with adversity on the mound, and are all to willing to hand the ball over to less talented relievers.
That said, the economics of the game dictate the need to baby some of these arms. The Teams often have big bonus signing money invested in these arms, and they do not want overextend their investments. The Agents and Players know if they can keep their arm healthy enough, there is plenty of money to be made. Due to that, I can understand and really support limiting the wear and tear on young arms especially at the lower-levels of the minors.
It will be interesting to see Tillman his next couple of times out, and see what his results are.
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Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.