The Top 20 Starting Pitchers in Habla

As our ranking of the top players at each position in Habla approaches the end, we shift gears to look at starting pitchers. In perhaps the most debatable category yet, pitchers come in all different styles and varieties. Even after style, which stat categories to base a discision on is debatable. Is ERA more important than W/L? Or OAVG? Or WHIP? Each manager is unique, which is why this list should be so much fun. What we have decided to do is narrow down a top 8 (which is itself debatable). We want you to vote for the top 3 pitchers. Remember, we try to ask the question, Who would I want for my team in a playoff run? Pitchers 9 through 20 are done as normal. Vote by posting your response and we will see who emerges as the best starting pitcher in Habla.

Who's #1? You tell us. Is it. . .

. . . Addie Joss (BOS), who between 2024-26 posted 3 consecutive seasons with an ERA below 2.70 and a WHIP below 0.90. He got off to a slow start this year, but has really found his groove again since the trade to the BoSox.

. . . Whitey Ford (DET), the active career leader in wins, innings pitched and strikeouts. He has combined four very good pitches to be one of the best hurlers in Habla history.

. . . Nolan Ryan (DET), the flamethrower, who along with Ford, has been the face to the Detroit Franchise for more than a decade. Few hitters can stand in unintimidated when he brings his heater in.

. . . Jake Peavy (TEX), the best pitcher for the defending champs. He has finished in the top 3 for the Cy Young 4 straight years without winning. He also has 2 World Series MVP trophies on his mantle.

. . . Charlie Hough (CIN), who amazingly has never won 20 games, but has been so dominant with his knuckler. As the first great knuckleballer in the game, Hough has kept batters swinging at air for years.

. . . Jim Perry (CIN), who is leading the way in the Red's quest for a 3rd straight Division Championship. This steady performer should finally win more than 15 games in a season.

. . . Billy Chapel (LA), who hopes to lead the Dodgers to their first World Series Title since 2000. He will look to give the boys in blue a 3rd straight Cy Young award, all coming from different pitchers.

. . . Adam Eaton (PHI), who should be Chapel's strongest competition for this year's NL Cy Young. You can say he's in a pitcher's park, but you can't argue with the tremendous numbers that he puts up year in and year out.

9. Tom Seaver MIN

A great fastball and a good slider have helped him collect over 200 wins and a career 3.11 ERA.

10. Orel Hershiser FLA

A guy who may be top 3 on this list in a few years, Hersch has one of the best sinkers in the game.

11. Doug Rau TEX

Another of the knuckle variety, Rau currently has the best ERA (2.84) by a starter in the AL and is tied for the most wins (16-1).

12. David Cone MIN

A youg stud with nearly unmatched potential is showing his stuff already with a great fastball and sinker combo.

13. Warren Spahn MIN

A junk baller that has been extremely solid and consistent for 3 different teams.

14. Kelvim Escobar MIL

A great fastball and good sinker make Escobar an ace.

15. Bobby Witt CLE

Witt throws fire; so much that his low control has not hurt him too much.

16. Zach Greinke PHI

A finesse pitcher that has been very consistent in a pitchers park.

17. Roger Clemens KC

Has 2 great pitches and has the ability to win a host of Cy Young awards. Will it all come together for him so he can do it?

18. Carlos Garcia LA

A former Cy Young winner, Garcia seems to be entering his prime.

19. Ken Brubaker PIT

With an untouchable sinker, Brubaker is one of the best strikeout pitchers in baseball.

20. J.R. Richard HOU

A 97 fastball makes almost any batter quiver in fear.

Honorable Mention:

Ricky Vaughn, Brandon Webb, Oliver Perez, Dontrelle Willis, Rich Harden, Bruce Hurst, Josh Beckett, Rick Reuschel, and Dave Dravecky