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The American League has a plethora of young pitching talent, and many of them are key contributors in 2008. Let us look at some of the best and brightest young pitchers in the American League.

Jon Lester (Red Sox)- Lester has made a triumphant return to the mound after battling cancer, and his 2008 statistics tell the world he is all of the way back. The 24-year-old left-hander, armed with a 93-95 mph fastball, curve, and devastating cutter, has compiled a 10-4 record with a 3.23 ERA, and 103 strikeouts. Lester's season highlights include a 7-0 shutout victory in Yankee Stadium on July 3, as well as his unforgettable no-hit gem against the Kansas City Royals on May 19 at Fenway Park. Lester has been the best pitcher on the Red Sox staff all season long, and the Sox hope he can push them to a playoff spot and a chance to repeat at World Series Champion. Lester is under the Red Sox control for the next couple of years, but look for them to ink Lester to a long-term extension.

Joba Chamberlain (Yankees) Chamberlain has put together an impressive season so far for the Yankees, despite starting the season in the bullpen. On June 3, at the urging of Hank Steinbrenner, Chamberlain made is long anticipated debut as a starter, and has not disappointed. The 22-year-old flamethrower has compiled a 4-3 record with a 2.63 ERA with 104 strikeouts in 89 innings. Chamberlain has been one of the more consistent Yankee starters since his insertion into the rotation. However, Chamberlain is on the 15 day disabled list with rotator cuff tendonitis, greatly diminishing the chances of the Yankees in catching the Rays and Red Sox at the top of division. Chamberlain's aggressive demeanor, 100 mph fastball, and on the mound antics have helped him become a fan favorite in the Bronx.

Joe Saunders (Angels) - While Saunders may not have as good of stuff as Lester and Chamberlain, he is having one the best seasons in the American League in 2008. The 27-year-old Saunders is a front-runner for the AL Cy Young Award, and his statistics back up that praise. He is 14-5 with a 3.07 ERA in 23 starts, with an outside chance of winning 20 games this year. The emergence of Saunders, along with John Lackey, Jered Weaver, and Ervin Santana, gives the Angels one of the best pitching rotations in the American League.

Daisuke Matsuzaka (Red Sox) - Despite the transition to a new league and new country in 2007, Matsuzaka still managed to go 15-12 with a 4.40 ERA. In 2008, the 27-year-old has shown that he

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