Major League Baseball's Best Rotations
Todd Jones - SportingNews.com
Aug 13, 2009
They say pitching wins in the postseason, so it is no surprise that many of this season's top playoff contenders have premier starting pitching. The rotations that should frighten the opposition most:
Yankees' top 3
A.J. Burnett can throw a strawberry through a battleship and will win a Cy Young award one day. I'm still not sure CC Sabathia will live up to that big contract, but it would be tough for any pitcher to live up to a $161-million deal. Joba Chamberlain has looked strong recently and should stay in the rotation with Phil Hughes pitching so well in a setup role.
Red Sox's top 3
Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Tim Wakefield (if healthy) are a tough trio. The Red Sox were loaded, but Brad Penny has struggled in the second half and John Smoltz is gone. Training his way, Daisuke Matsuzaka will provide a big second-half boost when returns from a shoulder injury.
Cardinals' top 4
Don't sleep on this bunch. They are deep with Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, Joel Pineiro and Kyle Lohse. They always seem to deliver quality starts, and pitching coach Dave Duncan is a master.
Phillies' top 2.5
The acquisition of Cliff Lee gives Philadelphia's rotation a needed boost. Joe Blanton has been pitching well, but NLCS and World Series MVP Cole Hamels needs to find some consistency.
Tigers' top 4
It all starts with Justin Verlander, who ranks among the major league leaders in strikeouts. Edwin Jackson has electric stuff and is ready to become elite. Jarrod Washburn is having a career season, and rookie Rick Porcello has been solid. These guys can keep Detroit in it for the long haul.
Giants' top 2
Tim Lincecum is a video-game cover boy, but don't be misled. He and Matt Cain are as good as any 1-2 punch in the majors. They can dominate a short series. Randy Johnson's potentially season-ending shoulder injury hurts, but Jonathan Sanchez has filled in well (see: no-hitter).
Todd Jones, a former major league closer, is a regular contributor to Sporting News. E-mail him at tjones@sportingnews.com.
This story first appeared in the August 11, 2009 edition of Sporting News Today. If you are not receiving Sporting News Today, the only daily digital sports newspaper, sign up today for free.
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