List your top 5 fantasy starting pitchers in 2010

d107 · #1 02-21-2010, 10:27 AM

Here is how CBS lists them

Note: Ratings are based on your scoring system and statistical projections for the 2010 season. Player dollar values are based on a standard scoring system, 2010 statistical projections and a league of 12 teams with a $260 salary cap per team.

1. Tim Lincecum , SF
Projected FPTS: 2000
It took Lincecum just three years, but he is now the unquestioned leader among Fantasy starting pitchers. The wiry right-hander, nicknamed "The Freak" for his giant stride and rocket-scientist orchestrated delivery, needed only 15 victories last season to win his second consecutive Cy Young award -- the fewest for that award over a full season. That was due to the Giants' inconsistent offense, which should be improved this year. Lincecum led the NL with 261 strikeouts and tied for the league lead with four complete games and two shutouts, proving he is as durable as he is dominant now after three seasons. We cannot find a reason to pick any other starting pitcher above him and he has a very good case to be a No. 1 overall in some Head-to-Head points leagues, right up there with Albert Pujols. Rotisserie leagues generally see the first pitcher go later, but Lincecum is a four-category beast that should go off the board before the middle of Round 1 in that format, too.

2. CC Sabathia , NYY
Projected FPTS: 1865
If the belief that a player is better in Year 2 in his new home holds, Sabathia is in for some kind of year. The workhorse saw his ERA rise over 3.00 and his strikeouts drop below 200, but he challenged for 20 victories and is the one pitcher we project to win over 20 games this season. Lefties rarely win 20-plus games, but the offensively potent Yankees certainly are a factor in our projected 21 victories. We do have to worry some about the potential of a postseason hangover, though. Pitchers who work all of those extra innings through the month of October tend to get off to slow starts and have down years the following season. If anyone can handle the extra work, though, it is the now-sturdy Sabathia, who has gotten past those nagging injuries that plagued him earlier in his career. Consider him a top five Fantasy ace and perhaps No. 2 behind Tim Lincecum if your league puts an emphasis on innings.

3. Felix Hernandez , SEA
Projected FPTS: 1815
The 23-year-old Hernandez enjoyed a breakthrough last season, leading baseball with 29 quality starts in his 34 starts. That is an important stat, because it is one that CBSSports.com added to its standard scoring system for this year. It keeps Hernandez among the top 5 starters in Fantasy, even though he pitches to that inconsistent run support in Seattle. Hernandez can challenge for the league lead in innings, strikeouts, ERA and victories, even with the Mariners. He has a great pitcher's park to call home, but surprisingly he was over a full run better on the road last season (1.99 to 3.05). Wherever he is pitching, Hernandez is quality every time out and is now at the stage of his career where the team leans on him as a horse, instead of coddling his right arm. If you don't wind up with Lincecum, Roy Halladay or perhaps Zack Greinke on Draft Day, King Felix is a great consolation prize. He might only get better, whereas those others could have already had their best years.

4. Justin Verlander , DET
Projected FPTS: 1784
As big of a bust as Verlander was in 2008, he was that much more of a value in his rebound year last season, winning a career-high 19 games and striking out an eye-popping 269 batters. That is almost 100 more strikeouts than his next highest season total. That 100 mph stuff is finally translating to punchouts. The loss of center fielder Curtis Granderson could affect him some in spacious Comerica Park, but when you're talking about a pitcher that strikes out as many batters as Verlander does now, defense has a diminished impact on his ERA and WHIP. He doesn't yet have the year-to-year consistency in his favor like the other top 5 starting pitchers, but you could make a case he is as valuable as any ace in Fantasy. The Tigers certainly thought so, locking him with a five-year deal in the offseason.

5. Roy Halladay , PHI
Projected FPTS: 1776
The Phillies acquired one of the best pitchers of his generation in Halladay, who has never really had the benefit of a top contender with a great offense. He has that now with the Phillies, who should make Halladay a Fantasy gem. We already had slotted the workhorse as the No. 2 Fantasy starting pitcher behind Tim Lincecum before the deal. Halladay not only gets better run support and wins potential, but he will also get the added benefit of pitching in the NL (no DH) and those spacious pitcher parks for the Mets, Nationals, Marlins and Braves. This should be a huge season for Halladay, as if he hasn't already been huge enough. There should be no debate he is a clear No. 2 overall among starting pitchers