Gallardo at risk?

UPDATE 02-06-08 11:11am - It turns out that Sports Illustrated's numbers on Yovani Gallardo were a bit off. They had forgotten to include 12 innings that Yovani pitched in the Class-AA playoffs two years ago. Those innings put his total up to 167 innings in 2006, which would mean his workload only increased by 21 innings, not 33. This saves Yovani from the "danger zone" that SI was so worried about in the article.

Haudricourt also notes that Gallardo's innings are not as taxing as innings by someone like Claudio Vargas. Vargas is known to throw about 100 pitches in 5 innings, and Gallardo is much more economical with his pitch count. It seems that this concern over Gallardo is seemingly unfounded. People are just nervous that the Brewers will overwork their young stud. (Note: Yovani can increase his workload to 218 innings and still be in the "safe zone." That means Ned is free to put the kid on the mound without breaking too much of a sweat.)
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Tom Haudricourt checks in for the first time in a few days today. Here's what he has to say:

• There has been some concern about Yovani Gallardo and his increased workload. He notes that young pitchers are only supposed to increase their workload by 30 innings at most a year. Gallardo is drawing some concern because he pitched 33 more innings than he did in 2006 (an increase from 155 to 188).
  
  It seems a little ridiculous to assume that Yovani is now at a higher risk of injury because he eclipsed that number by a mere three innings. It's natural to be at least a bit concerned about a young stud like Gallardo, especially when Ben Sheets has found new and interesting ways to get injured every year, but getting worked up about three innings is a overreacting a little bit. With that said, however, Ned Yost would be wise to watch Gallardo this year. He should not be afraid to spot start for him a few times if Gallardo's arm appears fatigued.
• Dayn Perry wrote an article that names the worst MLB player at every position. Catcher Jason Kendall received this unfortunate honor this year.
  
  It is important to note that Perry mostly ranked the players on their offensive output. He also only looked at last year's numbers. He does note that Kendall's arm is worse than awful, but the ever-important intangible factor is not addressed throughout the entire article. Melvin signed Kendall to call a good game and foster a comfortable and workable relationship with the pitchers. If Kendall is sub-par offensively, yet calls a great game and the pitchers improve, I'll consider the signing a win for the Brewers. Our offense has enough firepower anyway.