Last week, I talked about the top 10 pitchers in the National League and, from a fantasy aspect, there are some pretty good arms worth taking early. Now, in part two, we will take a look at the choices the American League has to offer before diving into part three.
Part two could have been comprised of a myriad of names, but I feel these are the best overall choices in regard to performance, reliability, and health—key aspects to a pitcher's success.
The American League has far more quality names, and nearly every team's roster shows an average of three really good starters, making the league's depth more dangerous than the National League. With options like these, every fantasy guru will feel like a kid in a candy store.
So let's go shopping!
10. Fausto Carmona
Yes, Carmona! Before the problem with his hip, Carmona was enjoying a moderate 5-3 record. After the problem, he went a miserable, and I mean miserable, 3-4 finish, posting his highest ERA since 2007. This year, he will need to put everything behind him once and for all and Cleveland will have to start giving more run support for Carmona to flourish.
9. Jose Contreras
It seems as if the entire White Sox team is coming into this season with a chip on their shoulder, and the pitching will probably show it early on. Last year, before the Achilles tendon debacle, Contreras was on his way to a pretty good season, and the rumor is he is healing faster than expected, which means nothing but good things for the White Sox and fantasy fans.
8. Zach Greinke
In the beginning of 2008, the Royals were enjoying the success Greinke was having until he cooled off a bit towards the end. However, considering he didn't completely fold should mean a better 2009 performance and who knows, perhaps the nostalgia behind the club's 40th anniversary will give him an extra kick.
7. Roy Halladay
This guy has proved himself to be a genuine workhorse for the Jays after 31+ games in 2008, and in four short years he has already managed a 20-win season! He throws strikes, and lots of them. He wins games and should be considered in every league. That is, however, if you are willing to chance whether or not the Jays will actually hit this year.
6. C.C.Sabathia
Maybe it's me, but I really thought the Brewers were a better fit, but alas, Sabathia joins the dark side and with Burnett, Pettitte, and Chamberlain beside him, the Yanks are flexing some pitching muscles. Sabathia is a gamble, however, so keep an eye on him as the season approaches, as the Yanks do have other options.
5. Jamie Shields
For the past three years, Shields has hovered at eight losses, no more no less. For that matter, almost every Tampa pitcher has hovered around the same mark. Shields offers a multitude of pitches, making him just as equal, in my opinion, to Kazmir. But it is his dominance with the fastball/changeup that separates him. If he can lower the HRs a bit, he'll be one of the premier starters this year in the AL.
4. Jon Lester
Jon Lester was 11-2 coming into 2008 and finished 16-6 on the season and this year should be even better. Lester has a great supporting cast in Boston, leaving very little to worry about, and quite possibly one of the ugliest cutters in the game, making him difficult to hit. If he is available, early grab him.
3. Ervin Santana
Here's a question: How can a team so stacked in the pitching department come up short every year? The American League's version of Santana is a powerful dominating pitcher and he's coming off an impressive 16-7 season. Although his talents are unquestionable, keep an eye on the closer situation, as it won't be as good as last year.
2. Josh Beckett
It's really hard to say why Beckett's season last year wasn't as great as his 2007 performance, but considering his strikeout count was very high (172) and his walk count was the lowest in his career (34), Beckett is a safe bet in 2009, especially with Kerry Wood added to the bullpen. Grab him and enjoy the ride.
1. Cliff Lee
In 2007, Cleveland fans hated this guy. In 2008, they loved him. Go figure. Lee comes in at No. 1 because he does three things effectively: He strikes out a boat load of hitters, he doesn't walk a lot of hitters, and he doesn't give up a lot of extra base hits—the formula for being a great starter. Barring injury, expect Lee to have another year that will surely make one time Cleveland great Cy Young smile from beyond.
- Login to post comments