The main goal for the Chicago White Sox this season? To have each of their starters throw 200 innings, so says pitching coach Don Cooper.
From the Chicago Tribune:
During that span, they’ve had four starters make at least 32 starts, with their disastrous 2007 season an exception when only since-departed Jon Garland and Javier Vazquez each started 32 games.
But Cooper doesn’t envision any limitations on a pitching staff that averages slightly over 32 years old.
“I want all five guys to make 33 starts and pitch at least 200 innings,” Cooper said. “That’s the goal.
That feat would be nothing new for staff ace Mark Buehrle as he has exceeded 200 innings in all 8 of his full seasons. In his first full season in the majors, which was last season, Gavin Floyd reached 206 innings. Third starter John Danks has had two seasons in the majors, and his highest total is only 5 innings away from 200 innings at 195. Rounding out the rotation are veterans Jose Contreras and Bartolo Colon. Contreras had 205 innings in 2004, making for his best total. Colon has reached 200 innings 6 times in his career, with 222.2 IP in one season being his career high.
So, it certainly isn’t impossible to get those guys to 200 innings a piece. However, the biggest challenge won’t be getting them the innings, it will be keeping them healthy in order to get the innings.
The White Sox will start the season tomorrow at home against the Kansas City Royals since their game scheduled for today was postponed.
