Which of these young pitchers are going to have the best career?

Question

Besides Liriano, Verlander, Bonderman, F. Hernandez, Kazmir, Webb? Did I forget anyone?

Answer 1

I think Verlander will get the most wins, but Liriano (without injuries, has the best stuff and is the most dominant).

You did forget Jered Weaver. Hes definitely up there too.

Answer 2

Since you're limiting it to those six pitchers...

If they were all healthy, it'd probably be a toss-up between Liriano and Kazmir, but they're not, so I'll take Felix Hernandez. Here's why:

Liriano is out, probably for the rest of the regular season, with a bad elbow. Not good.

Verlander has already had his delivery tweaked because of arm trouble, and missed time this year because of "arm fatigue". Also not good.

Bonderman has learned how to pitch and has been much better this year, but his performance in previous years makes me wonder.

Kazmir's in the same boat as Liriano, except he has a more storied history of arm problems. He also needs to get out of Tampa Bay, or he risks having a Kevin Appier type career.

Webb is an outstanding talent, but he reminds me of Derek Lowe, and that's frightening. He's also the oldest of the group so far, and has probably reached the apex of what he can do in the major leagues.

That leaves Felix, who hasn't had arm problems, because the Mariners have been limiting his pitch counts. He hasn't been as effective as some of the other guys, but that's also partly because the Mariners are limiting which pitches he's allowed to throw. He's also three years younger than anyone else on the list.

If you want three who aren't on your list, how about Joel Zumaya, Jered Weaver, and Yusmiero Petit, who was terrible this year with the Marlins, but has put up Pedro-like numbers at every level of the minors?

Answer 3

Assuming he stays healthy, Liriano has the most potential. Verlander is a one-season wonder. Kazmir has been a promising young pitcher for years now, at some point it'll be safe to assume he's not delivering on the promise.

Answer 4

I'll put my money on Verlander. Solid pitcher with great management around him. I like Liriano but I have bad vibes about him and his arm in the future. He doesn't have the stamina yet to handle the grind of a major league season.

Two years ago I would have said hands down Oliver Perez! He's following about the same career path as Rick Ankiel though.

Lets not forget about Jason Papelbon, Cole Hamels, Zack Duke, Jerrod Weaver

Answer 5

Liriano's got such great stuff, and He'll have the advantage of being #2 behind Santana. some of the other guys are going to have to be the ace before they're ready.

Webb is great, he's already having a good career.

Answer 6

Liriano is the second coming of Santana, so I think he'll have the best career. Jered Weaver will be second, and if Felix stops tipping his pitches (its obvious the batters know whats coming) he'll probably have the third best career, especially if he stays in Safeco

Answer 7

.


.. Erving Santanna.


.. Danny Haren.


.. Cole Hamels.


.. John Lackey.


.. Jeremy Sowers.


.. and Scott Kazmir is a strikeout machine .. and powerful lefty.


.. It's been said that Francisco Liriano has the most un-hitable pitch in all of baseball .. his slider. Not to mention he has one of the best Changeups too.


.. btw. I'm in first place in all three of my fantasy teams with the above pitchers.


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Answer 8

Out of the ones you listed i would say Verlander. He has electic stuff and plays on the best team.

Answer 9

Chien-Ming Wang of the Yankees throws a sinker 95-96 mph. He'sd only 26 and has a long career ahead og him.

Answer 10

Liriano once he learns to pace himself.