Top 10 pitchers of 2012 regular season – MLB Feature - Part 4
3. Johnny Cueto: Cincinnati Reds
Cincinnati Reds’ Johnny Cueto is another top performer who deserves a place on the list of top 10 pitchers going into the playoffs. Cueto has played a big part in fuelling Reds’ run to the top of National League Central Division this season.
His ability to strike-out batters is what separates him from rest of the pitchers. Cueto finished the season in the top five in ERA. He has the second best ERA behind Justin Verlander among all pitchers going into the playoffs. Cueto was also fifth in pitcher’s
WAR, third among postseason pitchers.
With 19 victories to his name, Cueto helped his team come out of the slump on several occasion during the regular season. What the Reds will be expecting from Cueto during the postseason is to continue his impressive winning streak. Surely, if he can give
similar results during the playoffs, the Reds will have an excellent chance to win the World Series title.
2. Gio Gonzalez: Washington Nationals
Gio Gonzalez is the only pitcher who managed to grab 21 victories this season. His ERA, WHIP and WAR and strikes are also among the top in Major League Baseball. Not only is he athletic and strong, he also has the ability to put the batters under immense
pressure with his sliders.
The way he mixes up his fastballs with curveballs makes him very difficult to handle. Nationals will consider themselves extremely lucky to have such a dynamic starting pitcher on their big league roster. It will not be surprise to anyone if Gonzalez continues
his incredible form during the playoffs to lead Washington into the World Series finals.
1. Detroit Tigers: Justin Verlander
Detroit Tigers’ hard throwing ace tops our list of best pitchers. He returns to the playoffs for the second straight season. The reigning AL MVP and Cy Young winner had an absolutely magical season last year when he posted some staggering numbers. With 250
strike-outs and 24-5 win-loss record, he claimed his first ever Pitching Triple Crown Award.
Although his stats for this season are no way near to what they were in 2011, he has looked his old self right from the start of the regular season. In addition to being effective, Verlander is an extremely reliable and durable pitcher as he hardly misses
any starts. He knows how important it is to stay fit to survive at this level as he works out regularly.
”He’s pretty impressive. He’s worth the price of admission.” I’ve never had a starting pitcher who can throw 99 in the ninth inning. This guy is a real keeper. He's the real deal.”
“He throws 99, which you see very rarely. He throws strikes and he has a great curveball and changeup. He has a great future,” Indians’ All-Star Travis Hafner.
"That kid has so much potential, and he doesn’t look a bit like a rookie. He has everything and can be as good as he wants,” Rays manager Joe Madden.
Verlander pitched 238.1 games during 2012 regular season. He leads the Majors in strike-outs and WAR. He also has the best ERA and most quality starts among all pitchers going into the playoffs.
Tigers’ Manager Jim Leyland will be very happy with what he has seen from Verlander this year and surely he will be expecting him to dominate the batters in the playoffs to help Tigers win the World Series title.
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