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 is much more comfortable with his surroundings. In 2008, Matsuzaka has gone 13-2 with a 2.90 ERA, adding 98 strikeouts in 114 innings. Dice-K, as he is known in Red Sox Nation, is pitching in 2008 much like the pitcher that the Red Sox paid the Seibu Lions over 50 million dollars to negotiate with. With the "Gyro Ball" aside, the investment is providing to be well worth it, as Red Sox Nation can expect great performances out of the Japanese import at least through the end of his contract, which is up at the end of the 2012 season.
Felix Hernandez (Mariners)- Hernandez was one the most celebrate pitchers to arrive to the major leagues in 20 years, when he made his debut as a 19 year old in 2005. Since then, King Felix has developed into one of the top young arms in the American League, and his 2008 stats serve notice of that. So far this season, Hernandez is 7-7 with a 2.94 ERA, striking out 132 batters in 144 innings. Hernandez might have the most raw talent of any pitcher in the American League, but battles with attitude and inconsistency have prevent Hernandez from reaching the top echelon of pitchers in the AL. With some more maturity, King Felix should become a perennial Cy Young candidate in the years to come.
John Danks (White Sox) - Danks struggled in his 2007 rookie campaign, going 6-13 with a 5.50 ERA. Those growing pains are gone in 2008, as Danks has emerged as one of the better left-handed starters in the American League. Danks is 9-4 with a 3.21 ERA for Chicago, striking on 112 in 137 innings. Danks is more comfortable pitching in the strike zone this season, as he walked 36 batters. This 23-year old lefty with be pitching at the top of the White Sox rotation for years to come. You can expect Danks to make an All-Star appearance or two in upcoming years.
The American League has plenty of young pitching talent. Some are learning their craft on bad teams, while others are active contributors to pennant-contending teams. These young pitchers are names to remember as major contributors to AL teams in 2008.