MLB Tickets - Underrated Hurlers
August 26, 2010 by Stub_Hub
Here are some starting pitchers that haven't quite gotten the credit that they deserve this season. (Note: All statistics are as of Aug. 10.)
Adam Wainwright, St. Louis Cardinals: Wainwright probably sells a ton of MLB tickets in St. Louis, but the rest of the league is likely sleeping on him a bit. One could argue that he's been the best and most consistent pitcher in the bigs this season. His 2.07 ERA speaks for itself, as he's developed into one of the more reliable starting pitchers in either league. At 16-6, Wainwright has a chance to nab the Cy Young, beating out more heralded hurlers like Roy Halladay and Ubaldo Jimenez.
Josh Johnson, Florida Marlins: Despite a hiccup or two as of late, Johnson has had a phenomenal season to date. He doesn't get a ton of press because of the team he plays for, but he's becoming one of the truly elite pitchers in the game. His 10-4 record doesn't reflect his sub-2.00 ERA, which is why wins and losses can be misleading statistics.
Cliff Lee, Texas Rangers: Lee is starting to get more publicity since he's moved to Arlington, but he's been fantastic all season. At 10-5, his record is steadily improving now that he's finally getting some run support. Lee had some bad luck losses early in the season with Seattle, but he's going to see plenty of W's coming his way now that he's backed by a potent lineup. He's my pick for the American League Cy Young right now.
Chris Carpenter, St. Louis Cardinals: Carpenter, like his teammate Wainwright, has a way of flying under the radar. After a bounce-back 2009 campaign, Carpenter has been nothing short of great in 2010. At 13-3 with a sub-3.00 ERA, there's a lot to like about him. He probably won't get much Cy Young consideration, but that's only because there have been a few pitchers in the National League that have been lights out this season.
Jered Weaver, Los Angeles Angels: When people talk about the most dominant pitchers in the American League Weaver rarely gets mentioned, but his 2010 season has been stellar. His 11-7 record again shows those stats to be misleading at times, as he's boasting a sub-3.00 ERA and has fanned 171 batters this season.
Mat Latos, San Diego Padres: Latos has come out of nowhere this season to help the Padres to a surprisingly successful season. A top prospect that had some growing up to do coming into 2010, Latos has remained calm and collected on the mound this year. His 2.36 ERA is incredible for a 22-year-old. The Friars have found their ace.
Carl Pavano, Minnesota Twins: Cast off as a huge bust in New York, Pavano has revitalized his career in the Twin Cities. He hasn't dominated hitters, but his 14-7 record and 3.28 ERA are very, very solid.
Yovani Gallardo, Milwaukee Brewers: Gallardo doesn't get much attention outside of Milwaukee, but he's one of the better young pitchers in the National League. He's been a bit banged up this season, but he's still managed a 2.86 ERA and an 11-5 record.
Tim Hudson, Atlanta Braves: Hudson has to be the frontrunner for Comeback Player of the Year with a 2.24 ERA and newfound control.
Trevor Cahill, Oakland Athletics: Most people probably don't know who Cahill even is, despite his 12-4 record and 2.56 ERA.
Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati Reds: Cueto has only lost two games this season, as he's adjusted his approach a bit. He's got the potential to develop into a dominant front-line starter with the right grooming.
