THE STARTING LINE - 2009 Top Ten SP, v2

THE STARTING LINE - 2009 Top Ten Starting Pitchers, version 2
by Evan "the Censor" Dickens

Here is version two of the Censor's projected SP draft rankings for 2009. We'll keep the commentary light this time so everyone can get back to watching the Olympics (or as I call it, the only thing less interesting than paint drying).

(note that all statistics are through 8/15/08)

1. Johan Santana - Now had seven fantastic starts massacred by the bullpen. May be the unluckiest starter in the majors this year.

2. Jake Peavy - While playing for one of the worst teams in baseball, Peavy has quietly taken over the NL ERA lead.

3. Brandon Webb - 20 wins before September 1st would really be something to talk about.

4. CC Sabathia - Really running up the IP, but can you blame them the way he keeps throwing?

5. Roy Halladay (+1) - Now seventh in the majors in total strikeouts. Who saw that coming?

6. Tim Lincecum (-1) - Thankfully the injury will not keep him out long, so we can really see how he holds up through 210 IP.

7. Cliff Lee - Yawn, another day, another solid complete game win. Is there really anyone left who doesn't think he's for real?

8. Rich Harden (+3) - Completely dominant with the Cubs, now has his season ERA down to a sick 2.17 on a great team. He is one broken toenail away from plummeting, though.

9. Dan Haren (-1) - One very ugly first inning against Pittsburgh, but Haren pitched like a gamer and turned the start into a win.

10. Cole Hamels - The nine wins are the most surprising part of his line. The way he's pitching, he should have twice that.

The Next Ten

11. Scott Kazmir (+1)
12. Chad Billingsley (+1)
13. Carlos Zambrano (-4)
14. Ryan Dempster (+1)
15. John Lackey (+1)
16. Ben Sheets (+1)
17. Daisuke Matsuzaka (NR)
18, James Shields
19. Ervin Santana (NR)
20. Josh Beckett (NR)

Dropped out: Edinson Volquez, Erik Bedard, Felix Hernandez

(all comments, questions, and vulgar flames to evan@fantasybaseballsearch.com)