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In dispatching the Los Angeles Angels in five games in the ALCS, the Chicago White Sox starting rotation did something that hadn't happened in decades.

Chicago starters strung together four consecutive complete games. Indeed, for the entire series, White Sox starting pitchers pitched into the ninth inning in every game. The bullpen recorded exactly two outs, throwing a grand total of seven pitches.

But despite the natural inclination to copy what's been successful, don't look for the White Sox back-to-the-future approach to catch on in any significant way.

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty ImagesJon Garland tossed the second of four straight complete games for White Sox pitchers in the ALCS.

Baseball, like football, may be a copycat league in which trends are dictated by championship teams. But even if the starters continue on their remarkable run and beat the Houston Astros in the World Series, duplicating what Mark Buehrle, Jon Garland, Freddy Garcia and Jose Contreras have done won't be simple.

"I think it's an aberration,'' said one longtime major league pitching coach. "I wish I could tell you otherwise, but I just don't see it happening.''

"People always try to mimic the teams that win the World Series,'' added one executive, "so I'm sure people will try. But that's easier said than done in this case.''

To be sure, in addition to having quality arms, the White Sox were blessed with good timing and even better matchups.

"It was the perfect storm,'' offered one general manager. "First, Chicago is pitching the best it has all year at the right time. And second, the Angels went completely cold. They're naturally aggressive [in their approach at the plate] anyway and didn't walk at all. They made it easy.''

Almost without exception, executives, scouts and coaches surveyed labeled the White Sox's accomplishment as impressive, but few were willing to view it as precedent-setting-to-come.

"I just think they pitched well at the right time,'' said another GM. "Look at Oakland [with Barry Zito, Tim Hudson and Mark Mulder] -- they had the same thing and couldn't get out of the first round. Taking nothing away from the White Sox, Anaheim couldn't hit.''

From the start of the season, pitching coach Don Cooper preached the importance of working quickly and getting ahead and White Sox starters followed his cue.

"Some of their guys, like Buerhle and Garland are very efficient and that helps,'' one general manager said. "Buehrle treats 0-and-2 like 2-0 -- he doesn't waste a pitch. With Garland, because of his sinker, he's always capable of getting a double play and getting out of an inning with one pitch.''

Neither Garland nor Buehrle -- one-half of the postseason rotation -- are power pitchers. By definition, that reduces their workload.

"They both pitch to contact,'' said an executive. "Buehrle has that cutter and Garland the sinker. They're not going deep in the count, trying to strike people out.''

Cooper said he and manager Ozzie Guillen carefully guided the rotation for most of the season with an idea toward turning them loose in September and October. To date, the strategy has been flawless.

But trend-setting?

"I don't see how you can look at it that way,'' countered another baseball executive. "Look at the Braves -- who's had more pitching then they've had over the years? And they can't even get to the World Series anymore.''

"There will be plenty of talk about this,'' agreed one pitching coach. "But the reality is, things aren't going to change. Teams are still going to be more cautious.''

That's one word that doesn't apply to Guillen, who seems to take delight in breaking from the norm, whether it be in-game stratgy or his candid comments.

But for most organizations, there's too much risk involved in giving starters a longer leash. And when medical and conditioning experts aren't warning against the danger of too many innings, agents are, ever cognizant of the money at stake.

"I think,'' ventured a GM, "you might see an emphasis on developing guys who can be more efficient. But it would take a while [if it began at the lowest levels of the minor leagues].''

If other clubs aren't quite willing to change their approach, however, the White Sox's success may have another unintended short-term result.

"I guarantee you, the happiest guys right now are A.J. Burnett and Kevin Millwood,'' said one executive of two of the more reliable starters who will be on this fall's free-agent market. "After this, teams will be scrambling to get veteran starters who can deliver innings.''

Sean McAdam of The Providence (R.I.) Journal covers baseball for ESPN.com.