Rank the pitchers

[ksushi]

At this point, Papelbon is head and shoulders above Chamberlain because of his experience and utter dominance at the major league level. Posted a historically low ERA in '06. Can't even compare. Chamberlain projects better as a starter, no doubt, but I'm not prepared to say hes better.

Papelbons fastball might be one of the most dominant pitches in the game. Santana's change, Mariano's cutter, and a King Felix curve come to mind, but I think Papelbons heater has to at least be mentioned in the conversation.

[jacksonianmarch]

Originally Posted by ksushi

At this point, Papelbon is head and shoulders above Chamberlain because of his experience and utter dominance at the major league level. Posted a historically low ERA in '06. Can't even compare. Chamberlain projects better as a starter, no doubt, but I'm not prepared to say hes better.

This is what i meant. Paps is a lights out reliever, one that is historically good. Chamberlain was even better, but in a shorter time span, so I will concede that. But my point was that Chamberlain has better pure stuff and a deeper arsenal, hence he projects better to the rotation.

Papelbons fastball might be one of the most dominant pitches in the game. Santana's change, Mariano's cutter, and a King Felix curve come to mind, but I think Papelbons heater has to at least be mentioned in the conversation.

Papelbon's FB is dirty, but it is a good 3-5mph slower than Chamberlain's. And Gammons/Phillips and the other nESPN crew were singing the praises of Chamberlain's slider. Gammons went as far as saying Chamberlain has the best stuff in the entire league. And I dont blame him. We all saw the slider and the heat. But do you remember the curve he spun off on Drew that went nose to knees on the outside corner and froze him? His arsenal is electric.

[TheKilo]

Originally Posted by jacksonianmarch

This is what i meant. Paps is a lights out reliever, one that is historically good. Chamberlain was even better, but in a shorter time span, so I will concede that. But my point was that Chamberlain has better pure stuff and a deeper arsenal, hence he projects better to the rotation. Papelbon's FB is dirty, but it is a good 3-5mph slower than Chamberlain's. And Gammons/Phillips and the other nESPN crew were singing the praises of Chamberlain's slider. Gammons went as far as saying Chamberlain has the best stuff in the entire league. And I dont blame him. We all saw the slider and the heat. But do you remember the curve he spun off on Drew that went nose to knees on the outside corner and froze him? His arsenal is electric.

No.

[yankeessuck013]

[ksushi]

Originally Posted by jacksonianmarch

Papelbon's FB is dirty, but it is a good 3-5mph slower than Chamberlain's. And Gammons/Phillips and the other nESPN crew were singing the praises of Chamberlain's slider..

Velocity isn't everything. I like Papelbons FB better because of the movement. 95 with greg maddux lateral movement.

[BoSox21]

Originally Posted by jacksonianmarch

Papelbon's FB is dirty, but it is a good 3-5mph slower than Chamberlain's. And Gammons/Phillips and the other nESPN crew were singing the praises of Chamberlain's slider. Gammons went as far as saying Chamberlain has the best stuff in the entire league. And I dont blame him. We all saw the slider and the heat. But do you remember the curve he spun off on Drew that went nose to knees on the outside corner and froze him? His arsenal is electric.

Velocity isn't everything. It's the life and control on the fastball that matter. That's the difference between Jonathan Papelbon and Daniel Cabrera

[BoSox34]

1. Hughes
2. ClayBucholzIzDaFuture
3. Chamberlain
4. Kennedy
5. Lester
6. Delcarmen
7. Hansen

[TheKilo]

Originally Posted by Gom

Yankees: Hughes, Kennedy, Chamberlain
Red Sox: Buchholz, Lester, Hansen, Delcarmen

How would you guys rank them, one through seven? For not only next year, but for their careers?

I'm curious as to your opinions. Let's hear them folks.

Chamberlain
Lester
Buchholz
Hughes
Delcarmen
Kennedy
Hansen

[PATS12RULE]

Chamberlain-Lester have to be one-two on this list. Chamberlain's stuff is as nasty as anyone's, and he can control it well enough to dominate. If he stays healthy he can win multiple Cy Youngs.

Lester's already proven to be a workhorse who can consistently win. His stuff isn't as fantastic as Joba's or even Buchholz's, but so far he's been the best of the group. Maybe he won't have as great a career as Joba, but I'd take him on my team in a heartbeat.

Buchholz can be added to the discussion once he figures himself out; we know he has the talent, he just needs to put it all together.

[Coco's Disciples]

Yeah I don't think there's any doubt it's Chamberlain-Lester as the 1-2. They're the only ones who have done significant stuff in the majors, except maybe Delcarmen.

[BoSox21]

Originally Posted by PATS12RULE

Maybe he won't have as great a career as Joba, but I'd take him on my team in a heartbeat.

It wouldn't shock me to see injuries plague Joba's career

[yankees228]

Originally Posted by BoSox21

It wouldn't shock me to see injuries plague Joba's career

Why do you say that?

[The Dustball]

Originally Posted by yankees228

Why do you say that?

I agree with Bosox. He's had injuries before. Tricep strains in his junior year in college and the injury this year. Pitching with a big body like he has can't help his injury chances.

[a700hitter]

Originally Posted by The Dustball

He's had injuries before. Tricep strains in his junior year in college and the injury this year. Pitching with a big body like he has can't help his injury chances.

He broke down after throwing only 89 innings this season. He has a long way to go to be considered a top of the rotation horse.

[yankees228]

Originally Posted by a700hitter

He broke down after throwing only 89 innings this season. He has a long way to go to be considered a top of the rotation horse.

How exactly did he break down this year? You have no idea if his injury is at all related to his workload.