[Sylvanfan]

Yeah, if you consider that you would need 150 total starting pitchers to fill out all starting spots throughout MLB. By the end of the year there are probably closer to 250 who end up getting starts.

Last year 81 pitchers managed to throw the required 162 innings to qualify for the ERA title, and Buerhle ranked 27th in terms of Innings pitched. His win total tied for 40th, his WHIP was 62nd among qualified pitchers, and his ERA ended up about the same.

I would say that Buerhle is an above average starting pitcher. His overall numbers may come across as mediocre, but the fact that he can stay healthy and pitch the number of innings he does makes him a bit more valuable. Lets fact it, most pitchers can pitch 5 innings and deal with 2-3 guys getting a chance to see them more than twice in a game.