Young Starting Pitchers and Knowing Their Limitations
The injury nexus is a very real thing. Pitchers–pre age 23–are susceptible to a number of arm problems as they adapt to the grind of a long major league season. In a market where pitching is becoming more scarce (and, thus, more expensive), front offices are doing everything they can to preserve their young cost-controlled pitchers.
Most organizations, won’t allow their pre age 23 pitchers, more than 30 innings over their previous-season’s total. Studies show that the propensity for injury greatly increases at or around that 30IP barrier.
You’d be surprised at how few innings pitched, young pitchers have thrown, before they’ve completed their first full major league season. Just something to keep in mind as we get deeper into the second half of the season.
Do you have any links to the studies alluded to in your post?
Where’s your top 75 article?
On Mike G’s comment:
I tried looking for supporting documentation, but came up empty. Can you list a source for this article.
Thank you,
An avid reader
The word “studies” was a poor choice. It’s more unsubstantiated theory, and “rule of thumb” based on speculation rather than quantitative analysis. One recent Tom Verducci article, pointed out injury-risk pitchers (coming into this season) based on their inning totals (last season), and he nailed quit a bit of pitchers who are producing well below expectations or on the DL: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/tom_verducci/02/05/verducci.YAE/1.html