Today's and Tomorrow's Best Starters

by Joseph Bradley
2006-04-10

Posting on many sports forums, I have come to the realization that there is not 1 consensus starting pitcher that everyone would take over all the others anymore.

Many Cubs fans say that when Mark Prior is healthy, there is none better. Boston fans state that Curt Shilling is still the best and can win important games in the playoffs, as he has proved with his time with the Red Sox and Diamondbacks. A few years ago, Randy Johnson would have easily been the pick. In the six years from coming to the national league in joining the Diamondbacks in 1999, he posted an eras from 2.32 to 2.64 except for 2003 when he was ravaged by injuries and only starting 18 games, having a 4.26 era.

But the times have changed and it is not to certain who would be the pick, but lets take a look at a few that would be best for certain situations

• 1-year only-Roger Clemens
  With a 1.87 era last year in a hitters park, he is the no brainer here. The only concern is health, which a leg injury slowed him down last season towards the end.
  
  
• Next 5 years-Johan Santana
  Had an amazing 238 K's to only 45 walks, but didn't have as many wins as most would like (16). Still considered by some to be the majors best starters.
  
  
• Next 10 years-Dontrelle Willis
  With a 22-10 record and a 2.63 era The D-Train was a top contender to win the Cy Young, before losing it to Chris Carpenter. At 24 years old and with a great bat for a pitcher, he is poised to be dominate for quite a while.
  
  
• Next 20 years-Felix Hernandez
  Barely 20 years old, King Felix is already the ace of the Seattle Mariners and looks to be one of the best, if not the best started in the majors in a few years. From what I can see there isn't a pitcher I would take over him if there were a fantasy draft and I had the first pick.
  

Honorable mentions: Carlos Zambrano, consistent and pitches with passion. Roy Halliday, could be the best if he could stay healthy. Jake Peavy, an era title and youth are on his side. Pedro Martinez, can still throw gas but doesn't have the stamina as he once did. Roy Oswalt, consistent and clutch. Carl Pavano, just kidding.