Pitcher who strikes out everyone, averaging 5 pitches per batter: 135 pitches. Pitcher who strikes out nobody, but pitches perfect game and pitches to contact, averaging 4 pitches per batter: 108 pitches.
The problem here is that something like 25% (or more) of those balls that are contacted will be base hits or reached on errors. Optimistically 4/.75 = 5.3.
Reyes's pitch count problem is a function of his inability to throw strikes. Gee, when did this become a problem?
Not to be overlooked either, because I think they are completely related, are his 0-2 and 1-2 pitches. He literally misses by feet. The pitch serves no purpose at all if it isn't even close.
His "stuff", whatever that is, if commanded properly is good enough to be effective. Until he can command it, he's not going to be very good.
