Stephen Strasburg’s debut was historic: 14 strikeouts, no walks on 94 pitches. But he’s not the only talented pitcher 25 years old or younger. So where does he rank on this list? (Sorry, 26-year-olds Ubaldo Jimenez, Jon Lester, Mike Pelfrey and Zack Greinke — you just miss the age requirement.):
10. Jaime Garcia, Cardinals
The 23-year-old Mexican just barely made St. Louis’ starting rotation at the beginning of the season, but adding Garcia to the Cardinals’ staff looks like the right move. The lefty has the second-lowest ERA in the majors behind Jimenez.
9. Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers
The 6-foot-3 lefty posted a 2.79 ERA with 185 strikeouts and led the majors in opposing batting percentage (.200) in 2009. Kershaw has also pitched in the postseason the last two years, but has failed to win a game in five appearances (two starts). He has a 6-3 record with a 3.13 ERA this year.
8. Tommy Hanson, Braves
The Braves’ righty was third in the NL rookie of the year voting last season. He finished 2009 with an 11-4 record and 2.89 ERA. At one point last season, Hanson threw 22 consecutive scoreless innings. He has a nasty curveball that he uses as his out pitch.
7. Mike Leake, Reds
The 22-year-old was drafted seven slots behind Strasburg, but the righty opened the season in the majors and it seems like it was the right move. Leake has yet to earn a loss, posting a 2.68 ERA and 5-0 record, as the rookie has helped the Reds to the top of the NL Central.
6. Phil Hughes, Yankees
Hughes has bounced around from the starting rotation to the bullpen since being called up in 2007. But the 23-year-old has solidified himself as a Yankees starter this year with a 2.71 ERA and 8-1 record. Last year, in a relief role, he had a 3.04 ERA in 51 appearances.
5. Matt Cain, Giants
Cain already has four full seasons under his belt and will turn 26 in a couple of weeks. The righty had a breakout season in 2009, making the All-Star team and finishing with a 2.89 ERA. He may top his ’09 performance this year, as Cain is fifth in the majors with a 2.11 ERA.
4. Felix Hernandez, Mariners
In 2005 at age 19, King Felix became the youngest pitcher to appear in the majors since 1984. The talented righty has a deep repertoire of pitches featuring a fastball that reaches the upper-90s. He finished second in the AL Cy Young last season, going 19-5 with a 2.49 ERA and 217 strikeouts. But he has struggled with consistency during his five MLB seasons.
3. Stephen Strasburg, Nationals
The 21-year-old has only one start, but Strasburg’s arsenal of pitches is unmatched in this group of phenoms. He has a fastball that often reaches triple-digits, a devastating breaking ball and a 90-mph changeup. He dominated the Pirates on Tuesday and expect the same as the righty faces tougher lineups. No matter who the batter is, Strasburg will be tough to hit.
2. David Price, Rays
Like Strasburg, Price was the top pick in the MLB Draft. Tampa Bay brought up the lefty at the end of the 2008 season and Price, in a relief role, helped lead the Rays to the World Series. With a 9-2 record and a 2.23 ERA, the 24-year-old is the early frontrunner for this year’s AL Cy Young award. Price features a tailing fastball and a late breaking slider.
1. Tim Lincecum, Giants
It’s hard to argue with the two-time NL Cy Young winner topping this list, although he turns 26 on Tuesday. The Franchise has an unorthodox delivery that has been scrutinized, but should be emulated based on his performance. Lincecum has a career 2.94 ERA and has led the league in strikeouts the last two seasons, fanning 526 batters over that span.
