It's difficult to define an innings eater these days, as almost all pitchers miss significant time due to injury at some point. Still, let's take a shot in regard to the upcoming free agent class.
Regular Season Innings Leaders
1. Carl Pavano – 221
2. Bronson Arroyo – 215.6 (club option)
3. Cliff Lee – 212.3
4. Jake Westbrook – 202.6
t-5. Jon Garland – 200 (mutual option)
t-5. Rodrigo Lopez – 200
7. Hiroki Kuroda – 196.3
8. Ted Lilly – 193.6
9. Kevin Millwood – 190.6
10. Dave Bush – 174.3
Two years ago, who would have predicted Pavano would top this list? Only six free agents reached 200 innings, and Arroyo could be off the market if the Reds pick up his option. Pavano, Arroyo, and Lee will bolster their innings totals with playoff work. Arroyo, Lee, Garland, Javier Vazquez, and Doug Davis exceeded 200 regular season innings last year.
If you're looking for efficiency, Lee and Pavano lead all of MLB in fewest pitches per inning. Lilly and Arroyo fall within the top 20.
