Back in the Groove

After starting 50 games in 1997 and '98, Cardinals righthander
Matt Morris (above) underwent Tommy John surgery and missed the
'99 season. In 2000 he pitched in 31 games--all in relief. Last
season, when he returned to the St. Louis rotation, he tied
former White Sox lefty Wilbur Wood for most wins primarily as a
starter after making no starts the previous year (minimum 10
games). Here are the lucky seven top performances under such
circumstances. --David Sabino

PITCHER, TEAM SECOND
FIRST APPEARANCES SECOND SEASON
SEASON (ALL RELIEF) SEASON STARTS WINS

Matt Morris, Cardinals 2000 31 2001 34 22
Wilbur Wood, White Sox 1970 77 1971 42 22
Bill Lee, Red Sox 1972 47 1973 33 17
Hank Aguirre, Tigers 1961 45 1962 22 16
Willie Blair, Padres-Tigers 1996 60 1997 27 16
Buzz Capra, Braves-Mets 1973 24 1974 27 16
Kenny Rogers, Rangers 1992 81 1993 33 16

SOURCE: ELIAS SPORTS BUREAU