The Philadelphia Phillies and The Top 5 Starting Rotations In Baseball

With a large part of the 2011 offseason over, teams' rosters are becoming more and more clear.

Which starting rotations are the best in baseball for the 2011 season?

In this article, I will list the top 10 starting rotations in Major League Baseball.

Let me know if you agree/disagree with any of my picks in the comments section.

Honorable Mention: Milwaukee Brewers

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ANAHEIM, CA - AUGUST 11: Zack Greinke #23 of the Kansas City Royals pitches against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium on August 11, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

The Brewers could be the surprise team to come out and make the playoffs in 2011.

With proven bats such as Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder, the Brewers' rotation is certainly going to help out.

With the huge addition of Zack Greinke, the Brewers stack up against some of the best rotations in baseball. Also, Yovani Gallardo, Randy Wolf and Shaun Marcum definitely help round out the rotation.

5. St. Louis Cardinals

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CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 24: Starting pitcher Adam Wainwright #50 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches his way to his 20th win of the season against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on September 24, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Cardinals defeated the Cubs 7-1

With the 3 headed monster Adam Wainrwright, Chris Carpenter, and Jamie Garcia, the Cardinals have one of the best rotations in baseball.

4. Boston Red Sox

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OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 13: John Lester #31 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Oakland Athletics during a Major League Baseball game on April 13, 2009 at the Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

While they didn't put up the best numbers last year, the Boston Red Sox have an extremely potent pitching staff.

With big names such as John Lackey and Josh Beckett, and young studs such as Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz, you're sure to be in good hands.

3. San Francisco Giants

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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 01: Starting pitcher Tim Lincecum #55 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Texas Rangers in Game Five of the 2010 MLB World Series at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on November 1, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Do

The San Francisco Giants had an extremely hot and effective rotation through the months of September and October.

With Tim Lincecum, Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez, Madison Bumgarner and Barry Zito (surprisingly the highest paid of these players), the Giants have an extremely deadly rotation.

They posted the third-best ERA in MLB and could be even more effective if Tim Lincecum doesn't have such a bad August as he did in 2010.

2. Oakland Athletics

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OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jeff Francoeur #21 of the Texas Rangers rounds the bases after hitting a home run off of Trevor Cahill #53 of the Oakland Athletics during a Major League Baseball game at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 26, 20

That's right, the Oakland Athletics.

The Athletics' rotation had the best ERA in baseball in the 2010 season (even though they were in the AMERICAN LEAGUE). They are extremely young and will only get better as their careers move further. Also, they signed Rich Harden to help bolster their rotation.

Also, Dallas Braden threw a perfect game and Trevor Cahill tied a Nolan Ryan record (20 straight starts allowing six hits or fewer in five or more innings). Pretty productive year.

1. Philadelphia Phillies

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PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 16: Roy Halladay #34 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants in Game One of the NLCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Citizens Bank Park on October 16, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylv

Is this even a question?

Roy Halladay.

Cliff Lee.

Roy Oswalt.

Cole Hamels.

Enough said.

Joe Blanton is in line to be the fifth starter, but he is likely to be traded, which would leave room for a new signing, Vance Worley, or Kyle Kendrick.