Next to 300
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As Tom Glavine of the New York Mets surpassed the 300 win mark, he joined an elite group. Only twenty-two other men have won 300 career games, and Glavine joined the club while in his twenty-first season. Some experts say that baseball will not see another 300 win pitcher in a long time, but here are some prime candidates who have the chance to do so.
1. Randy Johnson, 43. - Johnson has 284 career victories and he will not pitch again until 2008. However, Johnson wants to get 300 wins and its possible for him to do so if he continues to pitch for two more seasons. His team, the Diamondbacks, are a great young team and definitely give the Big Unit a chance to gain 16 more victories in two seasons. Outlook: 75% probable he wins 300 games (due to his determination.)
2. C.C. Sabathia, 26. - Sabathia has 95 career victories to date. If Sabathia could play until he was 40, he would need to average 14.6 wins per season in order to reach 300. His team, the Indians, are getting better every year, so that could help C.C. try to reach the milestone. Outlook: 40% chance he reaches 300.
3. Barry Zito, 29. - Zito currently has 110 career wins. If Barry were to play until he was 40, he would need to average 17.3 wins per season in order to reach the milestone. Zito's club, the Giants, are among the league's worst and Zito plans to stay in San Fransisco long term, which could hurt him. Outlook: 1% possible.
4. Josh Beckett, 27. - Beckett has 71 career wins. If Beckett were to average 17.6 wins over the next thirteen seasons, he would reach the milestone. Beckett's team, the Boston Red Sox, are among the league's best and will be around the top for years to come, which should give Beckett a chance at 300. Outlook: slim to none.
5. Jake Peavy, 26. - Peavy is among the NL's best, but only has 68 career wins. Peavy would have to average close to 17 wins a season until he is at the age of forty in order to get the milestone victory. Outlook: No way Jose
Others: Dontrelle Willis, 25, has 65 wins. Dan Haren, 26, has 47 wins. Mark Prior, 26, has 42 wins. Tim Lincecum, 23, has 6 wins. (Very sharp pitcher. If moved to contender, could be 20 game winner).
It is probable that there are two future 300 game winners currently in baseball. However, do not be surprised if only one, or neither, win 300 games.
