As a new member of Bleacher Report, I thought I'd start off with something everyone can enjoy: Fantasy Baseball. Not too long from now we are all gonna be pulling our hair out wondering who to draft, who to start, why is this guy injured, why can't this guy hit a d#@$ ball—ah, the love of the game.
In this being Part One, I will talk about the top 10 starting prospects in the National League. Then in Part Two we'll talk about the American League, and Part Three will be sleeper starters to consider.
In the National League there are more great starting pitchers than you may think, and going through all of them team by team can seem daunting, but really it's not. In the NL there are only really a handful of guys you really really want starting, and I have narrowed them down to top 10 from last to first.
Let's take a look.
10. Chad Billingsley
Last year didn't suit him too well, but this kid has the potential to have a breakout season this year, and with April showing itself a weak month for the Dodgers, any start during that time frame could be productive.
9. Ricky Nolasco
Of all the pitchers last year I came across, Nolasco has been the most consistent, and he is due for a breakout year...this could be it.
8. Edinson Volquez
About the only thing more confusing than this guy's ability is why the Reds are still hanging on to Homer Bailey. If Volquez can gain a bit more mound composure this year, he is a shoo-in for a top starter, but keep an eye on him early as he is still a bit young.
7. Jake Peavy
OK, Cy Young winner, granted, but can he come back to form this year? Only time will tell. There is no doubting Peavy's arm, but the speculation surrounding him could prove to be more of a hindrance.
6. Carlos Zambrano
There is no doubt in my mind this year will rectify last year, and Big Z will prove to everyone he is among the elite on the mound. Use him early on and watch his stock grow.
5. Brandon Webb
Before last year Webb had an average record of 48-30 with an average ERA of 3.22 in three years of ball, not to bad. Last year, Webb boasted an awesome 22-7 record and 3.30 ERA. Arizona is going to rely heavily on Webb this year considering his ability with the changeup and curveball. There was some minor talk of forearm stiffness but that seems to be an afterthought now and you can consider him in your rankings.
4. Kyle Lohse
Where did this guy come from? If he has even the slightest type of year he had last year, he will be a force to reckoned with. Use him early on if you can, and if by June he isn't what you thought, drop him for better options.
3. Johan Santana
All the hype last year came to a crashing halt, and Santana didn't hold up like most thought he would, but that doesn't mean this year will be the same. The Mets are fully aware of the competition level in their division alone, so it's put up or shut up for Santana this year, and my guess is he'll answer the call.
2. Tim Lincecum
The young phenom had a magical year last year, which makes him a risky No. 2, but given his talent level and really no one else worth mentioning in San Fran, he's a safe bet.
1. Cole Hamels
All that ice in his veins, and he still sweats! Hamels has one of the best supporting casts around him in terms of hitting AND bullpen, and the less a starter has to worry, the more he can focus on the task at hand, making him a great No. 1 choice. Hopefully Hamels gained a bit more control, but either way this year should be as good, if not better, than last year. Use him often!
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