MLB's 10 Best Power Pitchers Under 6'0" Tall

The MLB is full of big name pitchers who aim to overpower their opponents.

Big guys like CC Sabathia and Jered Weaver are expected to bring some serious heat on the mound, both towering at 6'7".

But not everyone is as blessed with height like the 6'10" Randy Johnson was, the kind of size that earns you the nickname "Big Unit."

FanGraphs helps us take a look at some hurlers who are 6'0" or shorter and can still bring it like the big boys can.

Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants

The 5'11", 170-pound right-hander is one of the most dominant pitchers in the game. In 2012 however, he's off to the worst start of his career with a 6.19 ERA thus far.

In the years past, we've seen him pump his fastball up to 97 MPH and higher.

This year, his average fastball has been hovering in the low 90s, the lowest it's been in his career.

It's probably safe to say that this sudden power failure is playing some sort of role in his poor performance this season so far.

Al Alburquerque, Detroit Tigers

The 6'0" youngster shocked and awed last season in his first year in the majors. He had an astonishing 6-1 record with a 1.87 ERA in 41 games out of the bullpen for Detroit. 

Unfortunately for the Tigers, Alburquerque is recovering from elbow surgery and has yet to make an appearance in 2012.

With a fastball averaging 95.2 MPH all last season, you better believe the Tigers can't wait to get him back in uniform.

Rex Brothers, Colorado Rockies

The 6'0" lefty hurls his fastball 95.7 MPH on average.

At just 24-years-old, the Rockies expect him to be a fixture in their bullpen for years to come.

He has a 4.24 ERA in 23.1 innings so far this season, numbers that you can expect to improve as the season goes on and he continues to mature and develop.

Fernando Rodney, Tampa Bay Rays

Standing at 5'11", Fernando Rodney has given the Rays all they could ask for out of the closer position this year.

He has 19 saves and a 1.17 ERA while throwing his fastball an average speed of 95.7 MPH in 2012.

Rodney has a career 4.07 ERA, so it will be interesting to see if he can continue his stellar performance as the season progresses.

Greg Holland, Kansas City Royals

Greg Holland may not be the hardest thrower on his team under 6'0" tall, but he can still bring the heat.

The 5'10" reliever throws a fastball on average at 95.7 MPH.

The Royals are hoping that he can reproduce similar numbers to his 6-1 record with a 1.88 ERA and 0.93 WHIP he had in 2011.

So far in 2012, he's a bit off track with a 3.86 ERA and 1.59 WHIP in 23.1 innings pitched. He's got plenty of time to try and turn those numbers around though as the long season continues.

Craig Kimbrel, Atlanta Braves

The 5'11" reliever for the Atlanta Braves has emerged as one the best closers in the game.

With a fastball averaging 96.6 MPH, he simply overpowers his opponents.

He's off to a great start in 2012 with a 1.44 ERA and a 0.88 WHIP in 25 appearances.

Jason Motte, St. Louis Cardinals

Jason Motte has handled the closing duties for the St. Louis Cardinals in 2012.

The 6'0" righty averages 96.8 MPH with his fastball.

His 3.41 ERA is higher than years past, but that's likely due to the increased role at closer and him seeing more batters each game.

Brayan Villarreal, Detroit Tigers

He may not be as popular as last year's AL MVP Justin Verlander, but Brayan Villarreal still pumps some serious gas for Detroit.

At 6'0" on the nose, his fastball averages 97.0 MPH in 2012.

He's thrown extremely well out of the bullpen so far this season with a 1.37 ERA and a WHIP of 0.97.

Kelvin Herrera, Kansas City Royals

Kelvin Herrera made his debut briefly for the Kansas City Royals in 2011. The 5'10" right-handed hurler has now earned a permanent home in the bullpen in 2012.

His fastball has averaged 97.1 MPH so far this season, ranking among the hardest throwers in the MLB.

Oh, and did I mention that he's only 22-years-old?

Expect this youngster to only get better as time goes on.

Henry Rodriguez, Washington Nationals

The 6'0" righty is among the many hard-throwing pitchers on the Washington Nationals' staff.

He currently ranks second in the MLB with an average fastball coming in at 97.6 MPH.

He's doing a stint on the DL for a strained index finger on his throwing hand, but the Nationals are hoping he'll be back soon and throwing better than he was before the injury.

He has 3 blown saves so far this season with a 1-3 record and a 5.14 ERA as the substitute closer for the injured Drew Storen.