MLB: Florida Marlins' Josh Johnson Is the Front-Runner for 2011 NL Cy Young
The most dominant pitcher in the MLB isn't the Phillies' Roy Halladay. It isn't the Yanks' CC Sabathia. No. It isn't even San Francisco's Tim "The Freak" Lincecum.
The best pitcher in the MLB is Florida's Josh Johnson.
One of the less-known aces in the league, Johnson is a 6'7", 250 pound beast.
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Johnson impressed in last year's breakout season when he posted a NL leading 2.30 ERA with 186 K's in 183 innings pitched. He might have won the NL Cy Young award if he hadn't gotten hurt towards the end of the season.
While there were some questions about Josh heading into this season, 2011 is shaping up to be one for the ages.
In his four starts of 2011, Johnson has already flirted with four no-hitters.
On Opening Day, Johnson took a no-hitter into the 7th inning against the New York Mets.
Against the Nationals, he retired 10 straight until Jayson Werth's homer in the 4th inning.
The Braves didn't get their first hit off Johnson until a double in the 8th inning. It was their only hit of the game as Johnson struck out nine.
Today, against the Pirates, Johnson was dominant again as Pittsburgh first hit didn't come until the 5th inning.
Normally, Johnson takes the mound armed with three pitches: An upper 90's fastball, a changeup and a devastating slider. But this year, Johnson has added a curveball to his repertoire, and it's baffling hitters.
Over his past three starts, Josh has pitched 17 consecutive scoreless innings.
Johnson has 27 strikeouts in 27 innings pitched so far in 2011. He's only given up 10 hits in four games and his ERA is a cool 1.00.
But his arm isn't his only weapon. He also wields a hefty bat.
Josh has a .222 batting average with three RBI so far this season. He has three career homers.
If there's anyone to watch in 2011, it's Josh Johnson and the Florida Marlins. He will most certainly be an All-Star again and is the front-runner to win the NL Cy Young award.
Besides, the more no-hitters he flirts with, the more likely he'll end up taking one home.
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