I chose Jake Peavy. I had four possible candidates to choose from going in, and only three made the list: Jake Peavy, Brandon Webb, Felix Hernandez, and Dan Haren.
Jake Peavy is the most successful of the bunch, and even though last year was easily his most productive, I don't doubt that might change in the next five years. His pitching has gotten better with his age and at only 27 I have to think he'll be the best of the bunch, in terms of wins and era (which are the statistics I'm basing my belief in him on).
Brandon Webb is a very good pitcher, and will probably challenge Peavy over the next 5 seasons for this spot. He can put in a good year, consistently, and probably will for a few more seasons. I picked Peavy over him for manly the reason that Webb is 29, and has less area to grow. With this less area, and the thought that he's not a great pitcher, so most likely won't be able to put up his number for too long, I had to pick Jake over him.
Felix Hernandez was a possibility, with his young age and great arm I think he'll be a definite contender for the next 5 years. I remember games from his first season, and he was truly impressive at times, I remember thinking he could be something special one day. Since then he hasn't really put together a Cy Young style season, but I'm thinking he's due. Last year he started off 2007 with a great stretch, throwing 17 straight innings with only 3 hits and one run given, while striking out 18 batters. He looked to be off to a remarkable start, but couldn't keep it going as he was injured the next game, took a month off, and just wasn't the same when he came back. His possibility of injury is the only thing that keeps him away from the top, for me, but he will surely be pretty good over the next 5 seasons.
Dan Haren, I feel, should have been on the list. I think he might become the best pitcher on the Diamondbacks staff, and that's no easy feat on the same rotation as Brandon Webb. Personally I think he'll be one of the premier pitchers over the next couple of seasons.
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Originally Posted by Kitty
No Wang on that list? That's crazy....other should have been added where you can post who you perfer.
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I agree. How is Wang not on this list? He has been the Yankee ace for the past two seasons and looks to be this year as well. He's better than Aaron Harang, and even though he wouldn't get a vote in my opinion, he deserves a nod.