Neftali rules?

When the New York Yankees brought Joba Chamberlain up in 2007, they had Joba rules. For every inning he pitched, he got a day off. In Chamberlain's case, that applied on the front end too (he could pitch two innings if he had two days off before the outing). It was an example of a team being careful with a young starter's arm as he was used out of the bullpen in the majors.

The Rangers now have Neftali rules. Anytime Neftali Feliz is on the mound in a game, he gets a day off. If he pitches 2 innings, he gets two days. If it's 2 1/3 (or a bundle of pitches), that could go to three days.

Last night, Feliz threw 2 pitches to get a huge double play ball to get out of a bases-loaded jam in the sixth. He went back out in the seventh and threw 16 pitches for 18 pitches total. Manager Ron Washington pulled him after that because since he threw just 18 pitches and 1 1/3 innings, that means he could pitch him again on Saturday -- with one day off -- if necessary. No word on whether he would only pitch one inning in that case (but probably so).

Most people probably think this is smart. The argument is that it may seem drastic and it does handcuff the manager to have a guy in the bullpen that has to be used like that, but the organization can't take a chance on hurting Feliz's arm long-term. Better to be cautious with a talent like that.

Nolan Ryan has made a big push this year to let his pitchers throw as much a possible. He was campaigning all over the nation earlier thi syear to let pitchers throw more. They are trying to do away with pitch counts (within reason) in the Rangers minor league system. I don’t understand why this should be any different? Seems like Nolan isn't as keen on that idea as he previously sounded? I wonder if some of their minor leaguers have been getting hurt?

What do you think? Good idea? - Keith A. Baker

Keith A. Baker is a sports agent in Stamford, Connecticut. His goal is to offer a unique insight to the world of sports and Major League Baseball in particular. Comments in his columns are for entertainment purposes only and do not reflect the views and opinions of his firm or his clients.