QUOTE (BearSox @ Jul 5, 2008 -> 04:35 PM)
Pitch count is by far one of the most overrated factors in determining fatigue for a pitcher. If he starts hanging breaking balls and missing up in the zone, then he should be taken out. Not because he has thrown over 100 pitches.
But, in counterpoint...Gavin's only 25. While I have no problem pushing his arm for 200 innings this year because he's thrown 175 or so each of the last few years...given his age, his contract status, etc., I really don't want to see him throwing 120 pitches in a game unless the entire bullpen is unavailable. There's no reason to risk his pitching arm foolishly at this point in his career. A starting pitcher who can put up a sub 3.5 ERA while making the league minimum and still having a few arb years ahead of him is a lot more valuable than a single win (unless it's October)