Top Five Pitching Surprises Thus Far

We all know that pitchers can make or break a season. ERA, SO, and BB all play a factor into what makes a pitcher great. The following is an in-depth look at the pitching surprises of 2010, so far.

The following pitchers have surprised not only their clubs with their stellar play, but fans everywhere, especially those scrambling to pick them up in their fantasy leagues.

Do you agree? Was anyone left off the list? Should anyone have been added? Let me know what you think.

Tyler Clippard

The Washington Nationals relief pitcher has been phenomenal this year. Having a 7-3 record as well as an ERA of 1.99, this guy has opened many peoples eyes. Oh, and FYI, he has 10 saves, which puts him in the same category as Mariano Riveria and Jonathan Papelbon who have 10 and 11 saves, respectively.

This guy is the real deal. He has 35 SO on the season, and has already surpassed his win and save total from last season

Jon Garland

The 30-year-old right hander has been brilliant for the San Diego Padres this season. The California native who has played for the White Sox, Angels, Diamondbacks, and Dodgers, looks as if he has finally found a home in San Diego.

With a 6-2 record, and an ERA of 2.10, Garland has made many fans happy. The righty has struck out 38, and only given up three home runs.

Garland has been a definite surprise this year and is still available in many fantasy leagues, if I were you, I would snatch this guy up fast.

David Price

Tampa Bay has a solid pitching rotation, which is what makes them so deadly. Garza, Shields, and Price, just to name a few, have created chaos for hitters all year, and are greatly feared.

The 24-year-old Price is a machine. Having compiled seven wins, and just one loss, the lefty could arguably be the ace of Tampa's rotation. With an ERA of 2.41, and 46 strikeouts, Price has set the bar high for other pitchers.

Last season he finished 10-7, and had an ERA of 4.42. This season he has lowered his ERA by almost double, and in June will surpass his win total for all of the 2009 season.

The bottom line is Price is one of the reasons why Tampa Bay is doing so well right now.

Mike Pelfrey

Biiigggg Mike!! I love this guy. He flew under many peoples radars at first, but now is a household name, especially among Mets fans.

He has given Citi Field a new shine, and Mets fans hope. The 26-year-old right hander has been brilliant—there really is no other word for him.

Sitting at 7-1 with an ERA of 2.54, and 44 strikeouts, Pelfrey has been one of the biggest surprises this season.

Just last season his ERA was threw the roof at 5.03, and had a record of 10-12. Pelfrey has shocked the MLB with his control, poise, and dominance this season.

I hope it continues, not necessarily because I'm a Mets fan, but because he is on my fantasy baseball team.

Ubaldo Jimenez

This guy wins the crown hands down. Jimenez, the Colorado Rockies ace, has been filthy this season. The 26-year-old flamethrower is 9-1 with an ERA of .88–yeah .88—and has 61 strikeouts. His ERA, and record surpass that of Lincecum, Halladay, Sabathia, and all other top name pitchers.

Last season Jimenez was among the average pitchers in the league with an ERA of 3.47 and 15-12 record. In 2010, he has completely derailed his opponents with his lethal fastball.

Jimenez is by far the biggest pitching surprise this year, and look for him to continue to dominate teams left and right.

The bottom line is this guy is crazy good.