Back in the Day & The Future of Pitching

[frankbmd]

Originally Posted by BleedinBlue

I believe that the single season wins record could eventually be in jeopardy due to a change in starting pitcher usage.

Under Franks original example where Gio Gonzales started 162 games, pitching only 1 inning each start, imagine if the designated “second” of Wade Miley pitches the second inning in all 162 games. Gio would not be eligible to win but Miley would be eligible to win dozens of games over a season. 42 would be well within reach if a team wanted this record to be broken and selectively inserted this “second” in games with a lead after the first inning.

This is exactly why Chesbro is rolling over in his grave.

However, when the five inning start completely disappears, should there not be an alternative method of determining the winning and losing pitchers.

Obviously the pitchers of record when the winning team takes the lead for the last time would be one way. Thus if Gio’s Brewer team scores 6 runs in the first inning and the Brewers go on to win, Gio would get the win in a one inning start.

Alternatively all pitchers could put a small ball in a hat when they enter the game and after the game the winner and loser could be drawn, sort of a powerball on the diamond.

Or perhaps it’s just a meaningless stat that will be eliminated all together. Of course the WHIPs and BABIPs and WARs will exist in perpetuity.