Who's Now: Top 5 MLB Starting Pitchers

In 2009, the MLB has seen mediocre pitchers emerge into stars, old superstars fight through injuries to return to their old form, and some superstars just continue to dominate. I have put together a slideshow of my opinions on the top five starting pitchers in the MLB, based on results and leadership. This is what I truly believe has occurred in the 2009 MLB season at the halfway point. This is subject to change in the second half of the MLB season.

Number 5: Zack Greinke (Kansas City Royals)

This young phenom has become the ace of the Kansas City Royals in 2009. Greinke didn't give up an earned run until his fifth start and won his first six outings. Greinke would have been the number one pitcher in 2009 in the early stages of the season, but lately Greinke has been figured out. Still a top five pitcher, but slowly Greinke is being exposed.

Number 4: Matt Cain (San Francisco Giants)

Matt Cain is a stud, but he is in the shadows of ace Tim Lincecum. With a 9-2 record, Cain has established himself in the rotation and could be an ace for many teams in the MLB. If Cain hits the free agent market soon, look for him to make fat cash and become the ace somewhere else. If not, there is something very special brewing in San Francisco.

Number 3: Chris Carpenter (St. Louis Cardinals)

Chris Carpenter has finally established himself after many injuries. Now as he looks to have recovered from injury, as he is showing his old form. Carpenter is mowing down batters left and right. If he can fully return to his ace form, the Cardinals can find themselves back in the World Series like 2006.

Number 2: Roy Hallady (Toronto Blue Jays)

Roy Halladay is the ace of all aces when it comes to pitchers over the past five years. The guy is crazy good and can strike out batters like a lazy man can flip channels on the remote control. A minor injury in 2009 cost him a start and the spot at number one.

Number One: Tim Lincecum (San Francisco Giants)

Tim Lincecum is the man in the MLB. He snagged the cover of the latest MLB video game and is a machine. He is the future of MLB pitching. Cole Hamels was supposed to be that man, but slightly fell off and Lincecum jumped on the opportunity. With Cain as his Robin, Mr. Batman can save the city of San Francisco from the Barry Bonds mess.