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Wallace has been blinded said 06/23, 12:46 AM
Well, I guess it's time to shake the dust off and get back into this.

Alright, while Sabathia is a good pitcher, I can't see him beeing the #1 projected pitcher next year. First, this year, he's sitting at a 5 and 8 record (say what you want about injury, the record remains though) and an ERA of 4.06. He also has a very high WHIP at 1.28. In fact, pretty much the only thing above average right now is his Ks. However, when determining who should be ranked #1 for next year, mediocre stats from just the year before will not help.

I also don't think his contract will play a large role UNLESS he goes to a different team. If he returns, it's just back to the same old business. His age also isn't such a huge factor considering we're picking for 1 year only, not a group of contiguous years.

This is why I'm going to pick Brandon Webb of the Diamondbacks.

Webb is tied for the lead in the wins category with 11 and only has 4 losses. Although he has less Ks, Webb leads CC in Wins, ER, ERA, Hits allowed, and Walks allowed, all in the same number of starts and of innings (106 and 106.1). His numbers are too good year in and year out compared to CC Sabathia's, especially this year.

Wallace has been blinded said 06/24, 12:15 AM
It's true that CC has been having a hot streak of late, but 3 games does not make up for a lack-luster beginning of the season by a long shot. Webb has been one of the most consistant pitcher's in the MLB for the past 2 years (including this season), and that's why I had to go with him.

Second, there's no way you can say that Webb leads a very deep rotation when comparing him to CC. CC has two great pitchers pitching right with him right now (both doing better also) in Carmona and the resurection of Cliff Lee. The two starting rotations are much more similar than you claim.

Also, how can you say there's a very high chance of him going to the NL? You're basing your argument on speculation on what team he might end up (and from what I've heard, he'll porbably go to the Yanks or stay in Cleveland). Plus, the NL is much stronger than you're making it out to be. I would even venture to say that the NL is. Right now, the top 3 AVGs in the MLB and the top 5 HR hitters are all in the NL.

I still have to take the sure bet with Webb. Webb has never had an ERA of over 3.60 in his career while CC has never had an ERA of under 3.21 and has had an ERA of over 4.00 4 times in his career.

Wallace has been blinded said 06/24, 10:13 PM
10 starts not a huge impact? I think you're wrong on that account, because we still know how huge of a talent he is shown by him having a good ERA of 3.10(nearly a whole point lower than CC). I also still consider the two pitching staffs closer than you say.

Not only that, but one main thing you're saying is that Webb has alot of great pitchers around him. So, it should say something that Webb has been the best pitcher on that staff even though he is surrounded by, as you say, great talent.

Again, one of your main points is that he might go to the NL. I'm not sure if that is that great of an advantage for him either. Alot of the best hitters this year are in the NL, and the transition from AL to the NL can be alot tougher than people think. Johan Santana is a great example. Even though he'sputting up decent stats, the transition has not been easy.

This year has been a set back for Sabathia so far, and I can not picture him being considered for the best pitcher next year. Webb has been fabulous for the past 3 years and has been one of, if not the most, consistent pitchers in the MLB. His ERA has never been over 3.60, and I think that's a testament to how great he really is.