Top 5 Starting Pitchers In Each League

[love_that_reefer]

There is some truth to that. Pitchers always have the advantage. Good point.

[DirtyKash]

Beckett destroyed the Yankees on the biggest stage there is. That's already a very good litmus test.

[HollywoodLeo]

Yeah, but its easier for a pitcher to change leagues than it is for a hitter. The pitcher has an advantage because the majority of the hitters haven't seen said pitcher yet.

beat me to it.

It actually helps the pitcher when he switches leagues, in the sense of the brand new set of players.

So, if anything, switching leagues is more of a reason to put Beckett on a top 5, vice not to. Because I think the concept of having a whole new set of hitters he's never pitched to far outweighs the DH.

edit: This is also the reason Akinori Otsuka will probably have a pretty damn good year this year, despite moving to the bandbox in Arlington. Hardly anyone in the AL has seen his delivery, let alone his pitches.

[DirtyKash]

Either that, or they could be like Tim Hudson and Mark Mulder and not pitch as well.

[Witlon]

beat me to it.

It actually helps the pitcher when he switches leagues, in the sense of the brand new set of players.

So, if anything, switching leagues is more of a reason to put Beckett on a top 5, vice not to. Because I think the concept of having a whole new set of hitters he's never pitched to far outweighs the DH.

edit: This is also the reason Akinori Otsuka will probably have a pretty damn good year this year, despite moving to the bandbox in Arlington. Hardly anyone in the AL has seen his delivery, let alone his pitches.

I would agree with that, and I'd also state that it was time for him to get out of San Diego.

This is one of the reasons I have Kris Benson as my AL Sleeper(along with that new pitching coach...).