April Fools Day, Fools Boston @ Oakland ( or is it Vegas , Baby)

[****THEYANKEES]

Only 7 ERs allowed in 5 games by our staff!

a pleasant surprise for sure. same with O'Neill.

[a700hitter]

I know it’s a team that I’m not even sure can call themselves MLB players but Houck looks dominant

You have to get it done against the bad teams, and Houck did. There is no question that he and Whitlock can pitch. We don’t know if they can stay healthy for a season.

[moonslav59]

You have to get it done against the bad teams, and Houck did. There is no question that he and Whitlock can pitch. We don’t know if they can stay healthy for a season.

Yes, indeed.

They could hardly stay healthy when asked to pitch 60-100 innings. Now, we want 150 min. (Maybe 140)

[mvp 78]

Yes, indeed.

They could hardly stay healthy when asked to pitch 60-100 innings. Now, we want 150 min. (Maybe 140)

Maybe a better coaching staff can get more out of them?

[moonslav59]

Maybe a better coaching staff can get more out of them?

I think so, but durability is not really a teachable thing, in many ways.

I suppose better workout regimes and prep can improve the odds of not getting hurt, but I feel like the risk is still high on these two.

Whitlock did change is winter regime, and Houck has started 42 games in his career, but I would not bet the over on 150 IP for either of them. (I hope they both prove me wrong!)

[Maxbialystock]

I think so, but durability is not really a teachable thing, in many ways.

I suppose better workout regimes and prep can improve the odds of not getting hurt, but I feel like the risk is still high on these two.

Whitlock did change is winter regime, and Houck has started 42 games in his career, but I would not bet the over on 150 IP for either of them. (I hope they both prove me wrong!)

Based on what we've seen all over MLB, you are right to have doubts that those two--or even any of the other 3 starters--will make it to 150 innings.

But, heck, it's early April. Cherry blossoms still bloom around the Tidal Basin in DC. The Sox could well arrive back at the Fens with decent spring weather. Five Sox starters had terrific first starts to the season. The June swoon might not happen.

[moonslav59]

Based on what we've seen all over MLB, you are right to have doubts that those two--or even any of the other 3 starters--will make it to 150 innings.

But, heck, it's early April. Cherry blossoms still bloom around the Tidal Basin in DC. The Sox could well arrive back at the Fens with decent spring weather. Five Sox starters had terrific first starts to the season. The June swoon might not happen.

Lasst season...

25 pitchers had 180+ IP
56 had 150+ (almost 2 per team)
67 had 140+ (about 2 per team)
83 had 130+ (that's almost 3 per team)