Fast Five: Best rotations in MLB

For the sake of trying something new here at The Sports Pundits, I've decided to introduce a small feature I'm dubbing "Fast Five." Each week or so (don't hold me to it, you know how this usually goes) I'll work to sort out the best of MLB in groups of five. This week, in no particular order, I present to you the five best rotations in the game today. In spite of the title, there will be less Vin Diesel than you may be hoping for.

1. Philadelphia Phillies

A fairly obvious choice for this list, and for good reason. Despite the fact that they'll be losing Roy Oswalt to free agency, having a rotation that features Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels should be able to easily offset the loss. Hamels, who recently agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal to avoid arbitration, is a free agent after the 2012 season and could be playing for another club in 2013. Even non-"Big Three" member Vance Worley became a reliable back-of-the-rotation arm for Charlie Manuel's club, posting a 3.02 ERA in 21 starts. For now, though, he's part of a Phillies club that should once again be the favorites in the NL East. Despite all the additions made by the Miami Marlins, this veteran rotation that featured the highest K/9 and lowest BB/9 should continue their run of success this season.


2. San Francisco Giants

2011 was the "Year of the Brian Wilson Commercial," but much of the reason for the disappointing results from the world champs could be attributed to their struggles at the plate. Ace Tim Linecum had as good of an under-the-radar season as an ace could possibly have, while fellow rotation mates Madison Bumgarner and Matt Cain continued to prove themselves as part of what may be the best young pitching staff in the game. The biggest surprise was undoubtedly the success of righty Ryan Vogelsong, which included an All-Star appearance and a newly-signed two-year, $8.3 million contract. The fifth spot in the rotation is the only spot up for grabs after the trade of Jonathan Sanchez to the Kansas City Royals, but the strength of the Giants' rotation at the top should more than offset whoever they decide on.


3. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

While most of the baseball world focused on the Arte Moreno making it rain on Albert Pujols, the Angels' addition of C.J. Wilson to an already-good rotation may just make them the team to beat in the AL West. Ace Jered Weaver was a Cy Young contender for nearly the entire season, while Dan Haren made for one of the best one-two punches at the top of the rotation in all of baseball. Though Wilson may have been slightly overpaid compared to his actual value, having a rotation that features Weaver-Haren-Wilson and Ervin Santana is one to be reckoned with. No matter who becomes the fifth starter, it appears that the battle for the AL West is all but certain to be between the Angels and Rangers.


4. New York Yankees
The Yankees make this list in large part due to the upgrades they've made to their rotation just in the past week alone. They traded top prospect Jesus Montero to Seattle in exchange for Michael Pineda and signed former Dodger Hiroki Kuroda to a one-year, $10 million deal all in the span of 24 hours. Pineda enjoyed a fantastic rookie season with Seattle in 2011, and though it'll be quite the culture shock moving to the Big Apple, he has all the tools to succeed in pinstripes. CC Sabathia continues to anchor the rotation as its ace, and threw over 200 innings for the fifth consecutive innings. At the back of the rotation, Ivan Nova looks to improve upon a solid rookie campaign and Phil Hughes looks like he could take the role as the Yankees' fifth starter. There is even pitching depth in the minors for the Bronx Bombers, as they await the arrival of top prospects Dellin Betances and Manny Banuelos. All in all, the vast improvements to the Yankee rotation could mean a 100+ win season is on the way in 2012.


5. Tampa Bay Rays

Having the Rays as one of the best five rotations in baseball may be up for debate, but the talent is undeniable. James Shields, one name who has been floating around in many trade rumors, helps to anchor the top of the Rays' rotation along with former number one overall pick David Price. Top prospect Jeremy Hellickson had a terrific rookie campaign that earned him AL Rookie of the Year honors. But aside from the success the rotation enjoyed in 2011, there is plenty of reason to believe that even better things are on the horizon. The debut of lefty Matt Moore should undoubtedly have all ten Rays fans (sorry, couldn't resist) excited for his future. Moore was a strikeout machine during his time in the minors and throws gas with ease. It's unclear whether GM Andrew Friedman will decide to keep Moore in Triple-A for a while longer to prolong club control, but what is certain is that Moore has as much upside as any pitching prospect in the game today.


Honorable mentions:

Texas Rangers - "I can't believe Yu didn't mention the Rangers!" - every Rangers fan who is about to kill any bit of the hilarity of Yu Darvish puns.

Arizona Diamondbacks - Adding Trevor Cahill from the A's is a great addition to 2011's solid duo of Ian Kennedy and Daniel Hudson.