Monday, September 28, 2009

Top 5 Pitchers in the Major Leagues

As we exit the age of the long ball, it is exciting to see a new crop of pitchers taking over the game. They take the time to be the best, and it shows in their performance. In no particular order, here are five of the most talented stars playing the game today.

1. Zack Greinke
This 25-year-old star plays for the Kansas City Royals. After several tough seasons to start his major league career, he has broken out and leads the majors in ERA. Notable performances this season include a 15 strikeout game, a complete game one-hitter, and a scoreless inning with two strikeouts in the All-Star Game.
2. Roy Halladay

Unlike Greinke, Halladay has cemented his place a top pitcher in all of Major League Baseball. He is a 6-time All-Star with a Cy Young Award under his belt. Before the start of the 2009 season, Halladay's 113 wins, 9 shut outs, and 37 complete games were the best in the American League since 2002.

3. CC Sabathia

Now a starter for the New York Yankees, CC made his name with the Cleveland Indians and Milwaukee Brewers. This flame-throwing lefty has arguably the most devastating fastball/slider combo in the game. In 2007, he became the second Cleveland Indian to win the Cy Young Award. After holding the Milwaukee Brewers together in 2008, he was awarded a $161 million contract from the Yankees (biggest contract for a pitcher to date).

4. Tim Lincecum

"The Freak" is the most exciting young pitcher in the game today. Built more like a high school senior at 5' 11", 172 pounds, he won the 2008 Cy Young award in only his second year. Lincecum was voted to his first All-Star Game in 2009, and looks to continue his dominance for many years to come.

5. Johan Santana

This man is a star for the New York Mets and has the resume to prove it. He is a 4-time All-Star, already has two Cy Young Awards, and flashed the leather in 2007 for a Gold Glove Award. After recording his 1,000th strikeout in 2006, Johan is now the ace of the Mets pitching staff.

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