Once upon a time, not so long ago, starting pitchers were allowed to go six, seven, or eight innings in each start, positioning themselves well for wins.
Baseball has changed, though.
Whether or not that’s good or bad is a discussion for another time.
For now, let’s focus on that reality: the game is not the same.
Teams prioritize their bullpen and the concept of per-inning effectiveness.
Starters don’t pitch as many innings now because managers are afraid of the “third time through the lineup,” and rightfully so.
That’s why we probably won’t see many 300 or even 200-win pitchers in the future.
Let’s, then, enjoy the ones we have, with St. Louis Cardinals righty Adam Wainwright being the most recent one.
He achieved the milestone on Monday against the Milwaukee Brewers, throwing seven scoreless innings in the process just like old times.
He joins an exclusive group of active pitchers with 200 wins or more.
“After Adam Wainwright’s 200th career win last night, there are now five active pitchers in the 200-Win Club,” MLB on FOX tweeted with a graphic containing the five names: Justin Verlander (255), Zack Greinke (224), Max Scherzer (214), Clayton Kershaw (209), and Wainwright.
After Adam Wainwright's 200th career win last night, there are now five active pitchers in the 200-Win Club ? pic.twitter.com/27VBuvGtEg
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 19, 2023
Barring a completely unexpected wink of destiny, none of those pitchers will get to 300 wins.
There is a valid argument to say that 200 wins should be the new 300.
There are some future Hall of Famers in that group, and others, like Wainwright, that will likely fall a bit short.
Still, he had an incredible career filled with success, great memories, and the love and respect of fans.
NEXT: Adam Wainwright Finally Achieved A Long-Awaited Milestone
