Pitching guidelines established

ROCHESTER - The Northwoods League has implemented guidelines that will be effect for the 2010 season, similar to those in entry-level minor league baseball, that guide coaching staffs to develop pitchers over the course of a season.

A pitcher will not be allowed to start a new inning if he's thrown 100 or more pitches in a game. If he happens to reach 110 pitches, the pitcher would need to be removed at the end of the at-bat. If in a given inning a pitcher throws 30 or more pitches, he will not be allowed to return for the next inning.

The league had a league-record four no-hitters thrown in the summer of 2009. The guidelines will allow some leeway to accommodate such accomplishments, but even while tossing a no-hitter a pitcher wouldn't be allowed to begin a new inning if he's already thrown 120 or more pitches.

Additional guidelines assure pitchers five full days of rest between appearances if they throw 100 or more pitches in a game. If a pitcher throws from 85-99 pitches he's assured four full days rest. Relief pitchers would be assured a full day of rest after making an appearance two consecutive days.

Coaches failing to abide by the guidelines would be deemed at fault by league and would be subject to a fine and suspension.