MLB Opening Day 2011: Power Ranking All 30 Opening Day Starting Pitchers

    Casey SchermickContributor IIIMarch 29, 2011

    MLB Opening Day 2011: Power Ranking All 30 Opening Day Starting Pitchers

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      SCOTTSDALE, AZ - MARCH 01: Starting pitcher Tim Lincecum #55 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the spring training game at Scottsdale Stadium on March 1, 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty I
      Christian Petersen/Getty Images

      Opening Day is lurking right around the corner and teams are preparing themselves to make a run for the World Series.  Many people always say that pitching is the key to success, and that saying has held true for the past few seasons.  Here is a ranking of all 30 Opening Day starters.                                                                                                                                                            

    30: Luke Hochevar

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      BALTIMORE - JULY 30: Starting pitcher Luke Hochevar #44 of the Kansas City Royals delivers against the Baltimore Orioles during MLB action at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 30, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. Hochevar collected the loss as the Orioles
      Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

      Team:  Kansas City Royals

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  6-6

      ERA:  4.81

      Strikeouts:  76

      WHIP:  1.43

    29: Ian Kennedy

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      SCOTTSDALE, AZ - MARCH 09: Starting pitcher Ian Kennedy #31 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers during the spring training game at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on March 9, 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Christ
      Christian Petersen/Getty Images

      Team:  Arizona Diamondbacks

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  9-10

      ERA:  3.80

      Strikeouts:  168

      WHIP:  1.20

    28: Jeremy Guthrie

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      BALTIMORE - AUGUST 03: Jeremy Guthrie #46 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Camden Yards on August 3, 2010 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
      Greg Fiume/Getty Images

      Team:  Baltimore Orioles

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  11-14

      ERA: 3.83

      Strikeouts:  119

      WHIP:  1.16

    27: Kevin Correia

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      BRADENTON, FL - FEBRUARY 20: Pitcher Kevin Correia #29 of the Pittsburgh Pirates poses for a photo during photo day at Pirate City on February 20, 2011 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)
      J. Meric/Getty Images

      Team:  Pittsburgh Pirates

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  10-10

      ERA:  5.40

      Strikeouts:  115

      WHIP:  1.49

    26: Livan Hernandez

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      CINCINNATI - JULY 22: Livan Hernandez #61 of the Washington Nationals throws a pitch during the game against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on July 22, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
      Andy Lyons/Getty Images

      Team:  Washington Nationals

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  10-12

      ERA:  3.66

      Strikeouts:  114

      WHIP:  1.32

    25: Fausto Carmona

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      ST PETERSBURG, FL - MAY 17: Pitcher Fausto Carmona #55 of the Cleveland Indians pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the game at Tropicana Field on May 17, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)
      J. Meric/Getty Images

      Team:  Cleveland Indians

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  13-14

      ERA:  3.77

      Strikeouts:  124

      WHIP:  1.31

    24: Mark Buehrle

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      GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 11: Pitcher Mark Buehrle #56 of the Chicago White Sox throws a pitch prior to the start of the spring training baseball game against the Chicago Cubs at Camelback Ranch on March 11, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kevork Djanse
      Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

      Team:  Chicago White Sox

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  13-13

      ERA:  4.28

      Strikeouts:  99

      WHIP:  1.40

    23: Ryan Dempster

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      GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 11: Ryan Dempster #46 pitcher of the Chicago Cubs throws a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the spring training baseball gameat Camelback Ranch on March 11, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Imag
      Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

      Team:  Chicago Cubs

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  15-12

      ERA:  3.85

      Strikeouts:  208

      WHIP:  1.32

    22: Jered Weaver

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      ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 22: Pitcher Jered Weaver #36 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim throws against the Texas Rangers on July 22, 2010 at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
      Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

      Team:  Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  13-12

      ERA:  3.01

      Strikeouts:  233

      WHIP:  1.07

    21: Brett Myers

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      KISSIMMEE, FL - MARCH 01: Brett Meyers #39 of the Houston Astros pitches during a Spring Training game against the Atlanta Braves at Osceola County Stadium on March 1, 2011 in Kissimmee, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
      Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

      Team:  Houston Astros

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  14-8

      ERA:  3.14

      Strikeouts:  180

      WHIP:  1.24

    20: Edinson Volquez

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      CINCINNATI, OH - SEPTEMBER 28: Edinson Volquez #36 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches against the Houston Astros at Great American Ball Park on September 28, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Reds won 3-2 to clinch the NL Central Division title. (Photo by Joe Rob
      Joe Robbins/Getty Images

      Team:  Cincinnati Reds

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  4-3

      ERA:  4.31

      Strikeouts:  67

      WHIP:  1.50

    19: Justin Verlander

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      DETROIT - JULY 09: Justin Verlander #35 of the Detroit Tigers pitches in the first inning during the game against the Minnesota Twins on July 9, 2010 at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
      Leon Halip/Getty Images

      Team:  Detroit Tigers

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  18-9

      ERA:  3.37

      Strikeouts:  219

      WHIP:  1.16

    18: Yovani Gallardo

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      ST. LOUIS - JULY 4: Stating pitcher Yovani Gallardo #49 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on July 4, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cardinals beat the Brewers 7-1. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
      Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

      Team:  Milwaukee Brewers

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  14-7

      ERA:  3.84

      Strikeouts:  200

      WHIP:  1.39

    17: Mike Pelfrey

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      NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 28: Mike Pelfrey #34 of the New York Mets pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers on September 28, 2010 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images)
      Andrew Burton/Getty Images

      Team:  New York Mets

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  15-9

      ERA:  3.66

      Strikeouts:  113

      WHIP:  1.38

    16: C.J. Wilson

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      PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 04: C.J. Wilson #36 of the Texas Rangers delivers a pitch against the Oakland Athletics at Phoenix Municipal Stadium on March 4, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
      Norm Hall/Getty Images

      Team:  Texas Rangers

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  15-8

      ERA:  3.35

      Strikeouts:  170

      WHIP:  1.24

    15: Tim Stauffer

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      PEORIA, AZ - MARCH 13: Pitcher Tim Stauffer #46 of the San Diego Padres throws a pitch against the Cleveland Indians during the spring training baseball game at Peoria Stadium on March 13, 2011 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Image
      Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

      Team:  San Diego Padres

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  6-5

      ERA:  1.85

      Strikeouts:  53

      WHIP:  1.44

    14: Derek Lowe

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      ATLANTA - OCTOBER 11: Pitcher Derek Lowe #32 of the Atlanta Braves against the San Francisco Giants during Game Four of the NLDS of the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Turner Field on October 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
      Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

      Team:  Atlanta Braves

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  16-12

      ERA:  4.00

      Strikeouts:  136

      WHIP:  1.37

    13: Trevor Cahill

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      PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 03: Starting pitcher Trevor Cahill #53 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Milwaukee Brewers during the spring training game at Maryvale Baseball Park on March 3, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty
      Christian Petersen/Getty Images

      Team:  Oakland Athletics

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  18-8

      ERA:  2.97

      Strikeouts:  118

      WHIP:  1.11

    12: Clayton Kershaw

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      GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 05: Starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw #22 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the Cincinnati Reds during the spring training game at Camelback Ranch on March 5, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Ima
      Christian Petersen/Getty Images

      Team:  Los Angeles Dodgers

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  13-10

      ERA:  2.91

      Strikeouts:  212

      WHIP:  1.18

    11: Ricky Romero

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      LAKELAND, FL - MARCH 01: Ricky Romero #24 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium on March 1, 2011 in Lakeland, Florida. The Tigers defeated the Blue Jays 6-2. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Imag
      Leon Halip/Getty Images

      Team:  Toronto Blue Jays

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  14-9

      ERA:  3.73

      Strikeouts:  174

      WHIP:  1.29

    10: Carl Pavano

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      FORT MYERS, FL - FEBRUARY 27: Pitcher Carl Pavano #48 of the Minnesota Twins pitches against the Boston Red Sox during a Grapefruit League Spring Training Game at Hammond Stadium on February 27, 2011 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Imag
      J. Meric/Getty Images

      Team:  Minnesota Twins

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  17-11

      ERA:  3.75

      Strikeouts:  117

      WHIP:  1.20

    9: Jon Lester

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      SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 13: Starter Jon Lester #31 of the Boston Red Sox pitches against the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on September 13, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
      Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

      Team:  Boston Red Sox

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  19-9

      ERA:  3.25

      Strikeouts:  225

      WHIP:  1.20

    8: David Price

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      ST. PETERSBURG, FL - OCTOBER 06: Pitcher David Price #14 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches against the Texas Rangers during Game 1 of the ALDS at Tropicana Field on October 6, 2010 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)
      J. Meric/Getty Images

      Team:  Tampa Bay Rays

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  19-6

      ERA:  2.72

      Strikeouts:  188

      WHIP:  1.20

    7: C.C. Sabathia

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      NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: CC Sabathia #52 of the New York Yankees celebrates after he forced Josh Hamilton #32 of the Texas Rangers to ground into a double play to end the top of the fifth inning of Game Five of the ALCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at Yank
      Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

      Team:  New York Yankees

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  21-7

      ERA:  3.18

      Strikeouts:  197

      WHIP:  1.19

    6: Ubaldo Jimenez

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      ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 2: Starter Ubaldo Jimenez #38 of the Colorado Rockies pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium on October 2, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Cardinals beat the Rockies 1-0 in 11 innings. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Get
      Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

      Team:  Colorado Rockies

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  19-8

      ERA: 2.88

      Strikeouts:  214

      WHIP:  1.15

    5: Josh Johnson

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      VIERA, FL - MARCH 02: Josh Johnson #55 of the Florida Marlins pitches during a Spring Training game against the Washington Nationals at Space Coast Stadium on March 2, 2011 in Viera, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
      Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

      Team:  Florida Marlins

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  11-6

      ERA:  2.30

      Strikeouts:  186

      WHIP:  1.10

    4: Felix Hernandez

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      CHICAGO - JULY 26: Starting pitcher Felix Hernandez #34 of the Seattle Mariners delivers the ball against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on July 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The White Sox defeated the Mariners 6-1. (Photo by Jonathan Danie
      Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

      Team:  Seattle Mariners

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  13-12

      ERA:  2.27

      Strikeouts:  232

      WHIP:  1.06

    3: Chris Carpenter

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      JUPITER, FL - MARCH 01: Pitcher Chris Carpenter #29 of the St. Louis Cardinals throws against the Florida Marlins at Roger Dean Stadium on March 1, 2011 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)
      Marc Serota/Getty Images

      Team:  St. Louis Cardinals

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  16-9

      ERA:  3.22

      Strikeouts:  179

      WHIP:  1.18

    2: Roy Halladay

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      SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 21: Roy Halladay #34 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants in Game Five of the NLCS during the 2010 MLB Playoffs at AT&T Park on October 21, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (
      Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

      Team:  Philadelphia Phillies

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  21-10

      ERA:  2.44

      Strikeouts:  219

      WHIP:  1.04

    1: Tim Lincecum

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      SCOTTSDALE, AZ - MARCH 01: Starting pitcher Tim Lincecum #55 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the spring training game at Scottsdale Stadium on March 1, 2011 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty I
      Christian Petersen/Getty Images

      Team:  San Francisco Giants

      2010 Stats:

      Record:  16-10

      ERA:  3.43

      Strikeouts:  231

      WHIP:  1.27