Quote:
Originally Posted by Parallex
I don't think leverage directly affects it much (if at all) although I do wonder how much (if any) of a difference it (sending him to the bullpen) makes...
Two starts (10 Games) = say 13.333 innings & 200 pitches. Roughly 15 pitches per inning plus two sets of warm-up pitches. Assuming he doesn't pitch on consecutive games in the bullpen you get 75 pitches plus 5 sets of warm-up pitches over the same period. Also Relievers typically go for max effort (hence greater velo comming out of the pen). After factoring in the additional 3 sets of warm-up pitches and greater effort per pitch I'm not sure how much (if any) difference there is in terms of arm stress.
Seriously... go with a 6 man rotation and give him a 75 pitch count until the playoffs and you'll probably save the same (or more) amount of arm stress and have him available to start in the playoffs. Absent any compelling data I think shuttling him off to the bullpen is idiotic.
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Although I doubt there is any science behind, many players and former players have said on multiple occasions that throwing out of the bullpen is much harder on your body than pitching as a starter. Your pitches are violent (go out there and throw nothing but heaters and sliders) and generally in high stress situation.