That extra one-third of an inning translates into 54 less BP innings over a 162 game schedule. So, to me, six-and-a-third is a low number. And right now this team is using the BP too much.

I really worry about the workload Torre will inflict on Gordon & MO from now on. He needs to trust a couple of guys for a few batters. Other than Sturtze, maybe Proctor, who, with his stuff, should be able to get two outs as a bridge to Gordon. If Gordon has to come into the game in the seventh too many times, he’ll be useless in late September on.

**I’m not talking about complete games, Raf, didn’t even mention them. But six-and-a-third is gonna kill the pen.**

But the only way you’re not going to use the pen is if the pitching staff throws a bunch of CG’s.

In this day and age, with mix and match bullpens, all a pitcher needs to do is go 6 1/3; maybe you go L/R matchups to finish the inning, 8th goes to the setup, 9th to the closer.

When I get the time, I’ll look at the numbers (IP broken down by SP & RP) myself.

1990 Reds
1996 Yanks
1997 Orioles

Yup, if you look at the top 20 SP from 2004, SP only, according to RSAA, and look at their IP/GS ratios, on average, it’s 6 and 2/3rds per start.

I would think that most pitchers, even the very good ones, on average, give you just about 6 IP per GS. Let me look into that.

I’m not talking about complete games, Raf, didn’t even mention them. But six-and-a-third is gonna kill the pen.

So, how many times during this series was Ortiz brushed back, or made to eat dirt? (:

It’s not A-Rod’s team. But, he is performing and playing well and it’s great to see. That HR off Schilling was very, very sweet.

**Problem is, too many starters pitching too few innings, equalling bullpen burnout.**

Don’t think it’s that big a deal in this day and age. During the Yanks’ current run, there haven’t been that many CG’s overall.

A-Rod was moved to third to please the team captain. There is no way you can move Jeter out of SS, and hence A-Rod goes to third.

And btw….Tejada, not Jeter, is the best SS in the majors.

Problem is, too many starters pitching too few innings, equalling bullpen burnout.