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Top 5 National League PitchersMany Young Pitchers Are Standing Out in a Field of Seasoned VeteransThese pitchers go to the mound every time with a chance to completely dominate their opponents.
These are the top 5 pitchers in the national league right now regardless of age or experience. These stars are shaping the landscpe of National League pitching for years to come. 1. Jake Peavy- Peavy has been ridiculous so far this season with a 7-1 record and 1.47 era. He has 85 strikeouts in just 71 innings pitched. This guy flirts with a no hitter every time he toes the rubber. The Padres have the number 1 pitching staff in the majors in part because Peavy has only allowed 12 earned runs. 2. Cole Hamels- The Phillies lefty has sick stuff, including what many believe to be baseball's best changeup. He has 1 more K than Peavy with 86 and 1 K behind Johan Santana for the MLB lead, along with a 3.74 ERA and a 7-2 record. He flirted with a perfect game against the Brewers until JJ Hardy took him deep in the 8th inning. 3. Brandon Webb- Last years Cy Young winner started out slow, but has started to turn it around lately. Fourth in the NL with 67 strikeouts and a respectable 4 wins , to go along with baseball's nastiest sinker. He'll reel off a hot streak very soon. 4. Carlos Zambrano- Big "Z" has started the season very slow, but he's showing recent signs that he is turning things around. He completely dominated the Dodger's in his last start and 2 starts before that he dominated the high-powered offense of the Mets. His history show's he'll turn it around, and he got upset with reporters the other day so he's pitching mad now and for a big contract. Expect a turnaround from the Cubs big right hander. 5. John Smoltz- The ageless one is still wheeling and dealing at the ripe ole age of 40. With 60 strikeouts , a 2.58 ERA and a 7-2 record, Smoltz is showing no signs of slowing down. He recently won his 200th ballgame of his illustrious career. This guy will pitch until his arm falls off, bad news for hitters. On the cusp- Roy Oswalt- Everybody knows what Oswalt is capable of. He brings his nasty arsenal of pitches every time out. Year-in Year-out a perennial Cy Young Candidate and he's gotten off to a good start with a 6-4 record, 3.36 ERA and 53 strikeouts. On the cusp- Aaron Harang- Last year's leader in strikeouts is a big strong right-hander with a plus fastball and solid curve. His 5-2 record this season with 61 K's is impressive, however his ERA will always be above 3.75 thanks to the Little League park he pitches in. Others on the cusp- Brad Penny, Dontrelle Willis, Chris Young, Matt Cain, Tim Hudson, Chris Capuano and Ben Sheets. New Comers- Rich Hill- Hill served notice at the end of last year that he was for real. He has carried it over to this season and is pitching with confidence. With a 3.06 ERA and 57 strikeouts this kid can pitch. He has a really nasty big-looping curveball and hides the ball really well. New Comers- Ian Snell- Snell can be a strikeout machine and is proving it this year with a 3.14 ERA and 58 strikeouts. Pitching for the lowly Pirate's he wont have a ton of wins, but he has managed a respectable 4 so far this season. Other new-comers- Randy Wolf, Ted Lilly, Tom Gorzelanny, Oliver Perez and John Maine.
The copyright of the article Top 5 National League Pitchers in Baseball is owned by Richard Pauley. Permission to republish Top 5 National League Pitchers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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