Cubs Pipeline Alchemy: A look back at drafting and pitcher development in the 1990s

“Pitchers are too pampered now. I prefer when pitchers like Fergie Jenkins and Bob Gibson would duel for ten innings without looking to the bullpen.” This is a common sentiment. The hiccup was, in assuming that all pitchers should be like Jenkins or Gibson, many careers were ruined in the process. Today looks to the past to explain the present.

One of the wonders of both 1960s/1970s pitchers was that they were able to stay healthy. A player’s health often goes unmentioned in discussions. A starter that can take the ball every assignment provides value, beyond the assessed WAR value. By taking the ball each time, he limits the need to send out lesser arms.

The Cardinals recently called up…