by Stuart Appley

Created on: January 25, 2008

I have wrote many articles and talked with many people once the 2007 season ended and I believe I have a great list here of the top ten young starting pitchers that every team will need to look out for. Some of these guys are prospects and others and young studs who are just starting to make a name for themselves.

1) Cole Hamels-
Cole Hamels is the current Ace of the Phillies and has only played for two years. He has yet to have an outstanding year, but I believe this year he will breakout. Last year, Hamels won 15 games and struck out 177 batters. He was hurt for some of the year and I believe he will do even better this year. Look for him to be a top 3 cy young candidate in the NL.

2) Tim Lincecum-
As a San Francisco native, I have watched this guy since he came into the major leagues last year after the all-star break. He looked young, but ready to show his stuff. He did manage to win 7 games as the 5th starter for SF Giants, and after being moved into the 3rd starting position, I believe he will win 15 games or more. In his first real season as a major-leaguer, he will come out of nowhere and help the Giants into a 4th place finish in the NL West.
3) Yovanii Gallardo-
I did not know much about this guy last year, but I certainly do now. He is the 3rd starter for the Milwaukee Brewers and he is being very highly rated. He is considered as the next Johan Santana, which is a mighty high praise. I believe he will win 15-17 games this year if he is healthy and help the Brewers to a division title.
4) James Shields-
Out of my top 10, he is one of 3 devil rays. He is their second starter and wasn't highly looked upon last year until the end when everyone realized he had one of the highest strikeout totals in the AL. He will win 15 games this year for the better-than-ever Drays and will show what he is truly made of.
5) Erik Bedard-
He is currently the ace for the Baltimore Orioles and is highly looked upon by baseball experts. He had one of the highest strikeout totals in all of baseball and will have the same amount this year. A tremendous 221. He will win 15-17 games, but the only thing that will prevent him from doing this well is the team he is on. He is looking for a trade to the Seattle Mariners which might want a pitcher to give them a chance to go to the playoffs. Look out for him.
6) Matt Garza-
This is the 2nd out of 3 devil rays pitchers and the youngest as well. He was acquired from the Twins in a trade in which they gave up OF Delmon Young. He is one of

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