01-18-2009, 07:42 PM
<!--quoteo(post=12275:date=Jan 18 2009, 02:55 PM:name=KBwsb)-->QUOTE (KBwsb @ Jan 18 2009, 02:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->IMO, we should count on him for a lot less than 25 starts. All of the aim should be for him to peak in late September/October.
(almost how Olympians train...so that everything is geared for them to peak at the Olympics)<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I'm with you on this. I think you keep him fresh, especially at the first half of the year by working him in at 5-6 innings per start, and ensure that any chance we get to give him a day off, we do. Lou knows he has a total winner in this kid and he's not going to ruin him by overdoing it out of the gate. I think if we can land Peavy, it takes a lot of preasure off of Harden (assuming the rest of the staff can stay healthy) to perform at a high level and he can focus on making his pitches, being a solid contributor to the team, and not focusing on anything but the marathon ahead.
I like him for 20-25 starts but I'd REALLY like to see him make 4-5 successful starts in the playoffs!!!!
(almost how Olympians train...so that everything is geared for them to peak at the Olympics)<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I'm with you on this. I think you keep him fresh, especially at the first half of the year by working him in at 5-6 innings per start, and ensure that any chance we get to give him a day off, we do. Lou knows he has a total winner in this kid and he's not going to ruin him by overdoing it out of the gate. I think if we can land Peavy, it takes a lot of preasure off of Harden (assuming the rest of the staff can stay healthy) to perform at a high level and he can focus on making his pitches, being a solid contributor to the team, and not focusing on anything but the marathon ahead.
I like him for 20-25 starts but I'd REALLY like to see him make 4-5 successful starts in the playoffs!!!!