Weiss plans to stick to pitch count next year

DENVER -- The Rockies are known for limiting their starting pitchers to around 100 pitches. Although it's out of the question for them to let one throw 121, like the Cardinals' Adam Wainwright did in 7 2/3 innings of a 4-3 victory over the Rockies on Wednesday night, manager Walt Weiss said it's not out of the ordinary for teams to observe a limit of around 100, even though it's not as discussed a subject as it is in Colorado.

One reason to keep a close eye on pitch counts early this season was the fact Jorge De La Rosa had missed most of the previous two years with an elbow injury, and Jhoulys Chacin missed extensive time last season due to a nerve issue in the right side of his chest. But Chacin has reached triple figures eight times, with a high of 108, and De La Rosa has gone at least 100 six times with a high of 110.

Weiss expects to use similar strategy next season.

"I don't think it's going to change a whole lot, especially early on," Weiss said. "We try to look at the big picture, not just the outing that day. As the season has gone on, I've had a bit of a longer leash at times with certain guys, but I don't think 100 pitches is real restricting. I think the average start in the National League this year is 94-95 pitches. I don't think it's that big of an issue."