Rankings/List

The only big difference between these two starting pitchers is their throwing arm.

They each throw four plus pitches, all for strikes and on both sides of the plate; two-seam fastball, cutter, curveball, sinker and changeup.

Philosophically, they both approach pitching the same way. 

They don't get flustered, and they want the ball.

So, I had to pick someone, and I'd rather take Halladay.

Here's ten reasons why.....

Ah, yes. Chone Figgins. The man that was supposed to tag team with Ichiro to form a 1-2 punch in the lineup that would drive managers and pitchers batty.

Things didn't go so hot for Figgins. Which, under normal circumstances, wouldn't make him a guy you'd give up on. However, consider almost ever other Mariners player had a poor season and the team now looks to rebuild, Figgins and his big contract are no longer a good fit.

The topic of trades has been a hot debate in Philadelphia Phillies fan circles, ever since the Phillies traded Cliff Lee away to the Seattle Mariners for Philippe Aumont, Tyson Gillies and J.C. Ramirez. 

But, the Cliff Lee trade a year later may turn out to be one of the more underrated deals in Philadelphia Phillies history.  The challenges of a general manager are many, and may not be the very obvious things that a fan wants to see or hear. 

But in the end, the success of the general manager depends on how the trade has worked out long term. 

The Yankees have made an adjustment to their bullpen and the change is exceptional.

Pitcher Rafael Soriano has been welcomed to the team as Mariano Rivera’s setup man. The 31-year-old accepted a three year, $35 million contract with the bombers and will contribute to a dominating bullpen, saving games and ending them quicker.

As a possible and likely successor to Mariano’s closer position, the Yankees seem to be in good shape for the 2011 season. But do these two talented closers remind you of a previous unstoppable duo?

Here’s a look at some fantasy baseball players that blew up the box score last year.

1.  Brian Wilson, San Francisco Giants:  Wilson led the majors in saves (48) last year while posting a 1.81 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 93 Ks.

Last night, Tuesday January 25, 2011, the MLB Network Special analyzing the 2011 “Top 50 Prospects” aired, and just three New York Yankee minor leaguers made the cut.
 
Making the list...

With the recent acquisition of yet another set-up man/closer to the fold in Frank Francisco, the Blue Jays appear to have one of the deepest bullpens in all of baseball. Starting at the top with likely opening day closer Francisco, then down the line with Octavio Dotel, Jon Rauch, Shawn Camp, Jason Frasor, David Purcey, Jesse Carlson, Carlos Villanueva and likely Jo-Jo Reyes, the Jays are stacked in the pen.

Different editors/writers have differing definitions of the term, “sleeper”. The concept has been watered down in the current fantasy baseball lexicon, probably because there are writers who can’t be bothered to do the analysis required to uncover real "sleepers". In my opinion, rookies have no place on a sleeper list. They aren’t sleepers. They are prospects who are hoping to have a major league career. Thus, there aren’t any rookies on my list. (If you feel you have to have a rookie on your sleeper list, start with Craig Kimbrel and/or Jordan Walden).

How many times have you heard the phrase "you can never have enough pitching?"

Probably more times than you can count, so there obviously is some truth to it. This season there appears to be plenty of up-and-coming pitching talent through the Minor League systems.

Last season we all watched Stephen Strasburg steal the show after his promotion. Jeremy Hellickson, Aroldis Chapman, Mike Minor and Kyle Drabek were also kept on close watch when they got the call up to the Major League.

Most of the top free agents have been picked up. Cliff Lee will return to Philly, Jeter will be in pinstripes once again and Carl Crawford will debut with the Red Sox.

There are still some good options left on the table for those teams who have struck out so far. Here the top players still on the market.

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