2009 Top 10 MLB Starting Pitchers For Fantasy Baseball

It is about that time in the year where I start craving baseball. I did some research and assembled my own personal top 10 list that I will use going into draft day. There are some changes from normal lists and even though I have some players on the list there are some I would try to stay away from more than others. I list my top 10, the pitchers who just missed the cut and pitchers to look out for in 2009.

Before reading, note that in my opinion, Fantasy Baseball pitchers are a tad less important than in the real game. So don't go drafting Cliff Lee third overall.

I am gonna start from 10 to keep readers intrigued to scroll down to No. 1.  Feel free to disagree as I am looking for arguments/viewpoints for my research.

10. Carlos Zambrano

This is a safe pick in my opinion, barring how early you are in the draft. A consistent pitcher for a good team. Carlos has had winning seasons in the last six years and will likely do it again next year. High strikeouts, decent E.R.A, and good W-L.

9. Cliff Lee

This pitcher is number nine on my list which means he will probably not land on my squad. Can he put up the same season as last year? Sure. Will he? Probably not. I try to stay away from players with tremendous expectations who have only had 1 stellar year.

8. Jon Lester

This is a pitcher who I may pick earlier, as I think he is becoming a star in this league. The Red Sox will be good again. After a solid 16-6 season with a solid A.L ERA this is a guy I want on my team. Unlike Lee, I think Lester can be obtained later than a very early round and will provide stats similar to last years.

7. Jake Peavy

This is a controversial pick. Of course, where he stands on this order could change if he swaps uniforms. If he stays in San Diego there is the Padre plus side and the Padre down side. The up side is that it is certainly a pitchers park (Not to mention Petco is beautiful) and the downside is that the Padres do not win often so his W-L could be worse than that of other top-caliber pitchers.

6. Dan Haren

First of two Diamondbacks on this list. I really like Haren's stuff. Perhaps the best No. 2 pitcher in baseball. He has had solid years for the most part of his career and seems to be in or entering his prime. He will be mainly pitching in a weak division (Weak, improving, but still weak) and should provide a decent W-L and a very good ERA. I like him just as much as a guy like Sabathia, who will go much earlier.

5. CC Sabathia

Tough call here. I put him at five meaning he will not end up on my roster. Just signed a big contract and had a hell of a second half. Lot of pressure in New York and he did have a bad first half in the American League before the trade. Good pitcher but I think if he is going in the mid or late second round to pass, take a solid hitter and wait.

4. Tim Lincecum

Stock is high, but he is pretty amazing. Putting up those numbers on the Giants is a good feat. He will be picked high in the draft and is worthy of taking a risk on. I think he is solid, young and going to improve if possible. Most of his stats show why he is an early guy to draft.

3. Cole Hamels

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