I'm going to have to go with Chad Billingsley.
Upon entering the rotation last season Billingsley was all but lights-out - he was 8-5 with an ERA of 3.38, 1.36 WHIP, and nearly a strikeout per inning. Moreover, in September he was nasty with an ERA of 2.59. As the season progressed he got better and better, and I expect much of the same in 2008.
I cannot choose Saito for this for one reason - his age. He has been dominant in his time here, but at 38 I feel as if he may begin to decline significantly. Plus, I just feel that a very good starter is always better than a very good closer.
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