Most of the rest of the White Sox pitching staff is older than Garland, but not by much. And that, for the White Sox, is their blessing and their curse. At 68-45, the Sox have the best record in the American League. Seattle, too, has relied on a relatively young pitching staff to reach the top of the AL West. Jim Parque is 24 and Mike Sirotka is 28.
Garland is the fourth starter.
Dealing with a younger staff means you don't have to worry as much about arthritic bones and broken-down bodies. But it does pose challenges. Seattle pitching coach Bryan Price said younger players may have hardier physiques, but their psyches are more fragile. Pacing is also a problem with younger pitchers. These young kids are not used to going through September.