2009 Fantasy Baseball: Keeper League (SP) Rankings Starting Pitcher

Keeper League Starting Pitcher (SP) Rankings are based on a 3-year outlook for the 2009, 2010, and 2011 fantasy baseball seasons. Rankings are established for a standard fantasy baseball scoring system in mixed AL/NL leagues with scoring category stats including: wins, strikeouts, ERA, and WHIP. Keeper League (SP) Rankings include the Top 100 preseason 2009 fantasy baseball starting pitcher eligible players. Each individual players age for the 2009 season is listed in parentheses after their name. Good Luck this 2009 Fantasy Baseball Season!

KEEPER LEAGUE STARTING PITCHER (SP) RANKINGS 2009

1. Tim Lincecum - San Francisco Giants (25)

Even though Lincecum's major league experience and track record really only consists of his success during the 2008 season, Lincecum is very young and just age 25, and he is loaded with tons of potential. With a power arm that can easily rack up 230 plus strikeouts per season for the next five to eight years, Lincecum ranks as the #1 overall starting pitcher for fantasy baseball keeper leagues heading into the 2009 season. Stats in the range of 15 wins, 250 strikeouts, a 2.50 ERA, and a 1.10 WHIP seem like great possibilities for Lincecum in 2009.

2. Jake Peavy - San Diego Padres (28)

As a top fantasy baseball starting pitcher for the past five years, Peavy will only be 28 for the 2009 season, which means plenty of excellent fantasy baseball years are still left in his arm. As a potential CY Young candidate every year, Peavy has the ability to post 220 plus strikeouts, an ERA around 2.75, and a WHIP around 1.10 each year for the next three to five years. If Peavy remains with the Padres for the entire 2009 season his win total may remain low, but if he is traded to a winning team sometime during the 2009 season, his win total could skyrocket. 12-15 wins, 200 strikeouts, 2.80-3.00 ERA, 1.20 WHIP on the low end, with the potential for 18 wins, 220-230 strikeouts, 2.50-2.75 ERA, and a 1.05-1.10 WHIP on the high end for the 2009 season.

3. Johan Santana - New York Mets (30)

At age 30 for the entire 2009 season, Santana is in the prime of his career and he has a very good Mets offense backing him up. The 2009 season should net Santana 15-20 wins and 220-230 strikeouts, an ERA around 2.75, and a WHIP no higher than 1.10. 15 wins and 200 plus strikeouts seem likely for Santana over at least the next three years as well.

4. Cole Hamels - Philadelphia Phillies (25)

Age just age 25 and already having three years of major league pitching experience under his belt, Hamels who has improved his numbers during each of those three years, should continue this trend, as he appears to have an excellent chance to post career high numbers across all scoring categories in 2009. Backed by an excellent Phillies offense, 18-20 wins, 200-220 strikeouts, 2.80-3.00 ERA, and a 1.00-1.05 WHIP are possible for Hamels in 2009. The future looks very bright for this proven stud at just age 25.

5. Francisco Liriano - Minnesota Twins (25)

Liriano will enter the 2009 season two years removed from Tommy John surgery, and his outlook for a breakout and career year in 2009 is very possible. At just age 25 for the 2009 season, Liriano has the potential to post numbers in the range of 15 wins, 230 strikeouts, an ERA around 2.75, and a WHIP around 1.15 for the 2009 season, with similar stats expected over the next five years as well.

6. CC Sabathia - New York Yankees (29)

Sabathia will be just 29 years old for the 2009 season, however his high innings pitched numbers over the past two years may cause Sabathia to tire and falter in what may be a down year for him in 2009. Still the potential for 200 plus strikeouts and 15 wins for each season over the next five years is definitely there. Sabathia's final 2009 stat line could include 18-20 wins, 220-230 strikeouts, 3.50 ERA, and a 1.20 WHIP.

7. Felix Hernandez - Seattle Mariners (23)

Equipped with a CY Young arm, Hernandez is not only the entire future of the Seattle Mariners at just age 23 for the 2009 season, but he has the potential to be a top 5 overall fantasy baseball starting pitcher in a year or two. Much like other star pitchers on losing teams, Hernandez will likely struggled again to post a high win total in 2009. However Hernandez's other stats are excellent as he could easily tally 200 plus strikeouts, an ERA around 3.50, and a WHIP around 1.25 for the 2009 season. These numbers are likely to get even better over the next year or two, with Hernandez's peak production having the potential to reach 18-20 wins, 250 strikeouts, a 2.50 ERA, and a WHIP around 1.05.

8. Chad Billingsley - Los Angeles Dodgers (25)

Now that Derek Lowe is gone, Billingsley will be relied upon heavily by the Dodgers, as he will be expected to take over the role as the pitching staff ace for the 2009 season. At just age 25 for the 2009 season, Billingsley has a young arm that is entering its prime. After posting 16 wins, 210 strikeouts, and an ERA at just 3.14 during the 2008 season, Billingsley definitely has the potential to become a top 10 overall fantasy baseball starting pitcher by the end of the 2009 season. 15-18 wins, 220 strikeouts, an ERA around 3.25 or below, and a WHIP around 1.30 seem like great possibilities for Billingsley in 2009, with similar numbers expected over the next five years as well.

9. Joba Chamberlain - New York Yankees (23)

Chamberlain has the potential to emerge as a top 10 overall fantasy baseball starting pitcher by the end of the 2009 season if everything goes well. 15-18 wins, 200 plus strikeouts, 2.80 ERA, and a WHIP around 1.20 is possible for Chamberlain in 2009, with even better numbers possible for him in a year or two. At his peak, Chamberlain has the potential to tally 20 wins, 240 strikeouts, 2.25 ERA, and a WHIP around 1.10.

10. Dan Haren - Arizona Diamondbacks (28)

Haren proved in 2008 that his one year breakout campaign in Oakland in 2007 wasn't just luck or a fluke. At age 28 for the 2009 season, Haren is in the prime of his career and is backed by a solid Arizona offense. A career year could be in store for Haren in 2009, with numbers approaching 18-20 wins, 220 strikeouts, a 2.80-3.00 ERA, and a 1.10 WHIP.

11. Edinson Volquez - Cincinnati Reds (26)

As one of the top young starting pitchers in all of major league baseball, Volquez proved to fantasy baseball teams in 2008 that he is capable and worthy of being a top 10 overall starting pitcher for years to come. Volquez has a great chance to post 15-18 wins, 220 strikeouts, an ERA around 3.30, and a WHIP around 1.25 for the 2009 season. An eventual rise to 250 strikeouts in a season is possible for Volquez during his prime.

12. Brandon Webb - Arizona Diamondbacks (30)

As a ground ball pitcher, Webb has the luxury of not having his armed taxed by throwing mid 90's with every pitch. Webb's mid 80's regular throwing motion helps his elbow and shoulder out tremendously, while also allowing him to stay healthy and pitch 200 plus innings year in and year out. At age 30, Webb should easily post numbers to be a top 10 overall fantasy baseball starting pitcher in 2009. Webb's final 2009 stat line could include 18-20 wins, 170-190 strikeouts, 3.00 ERA, and a 1.15 WHIP. For keeper league purposes, the younger starting pitchers who can post higher strikeouts totals get the ranking ahead of Webb at this point.

13. Jon Lester - Boston Red Sox (25)

At age 25 for the 2009 season, Lester with his health issues taken care of, is in the perfect position to post a career year in 2009. Lester will likely be drafted in the middle rounds of your 2009 fantasy baseball draft, however he has the potential to be a top 10 overall starting pitcher in fantasy baseball leagues by the end of the 2009 season. 15-18 wins, 180-200 strikeouts, 3.30 ERA, and a WHIP around 1.20 is possible for Lester in 2009 through 2013.

14. David Price - Tampa Bay Rays (23)

Already an uber hyped prospect, Price looks ready to take over a starting pitcher role for the Rays in 2009. His innings pitched should be limited to around 180 innings for the 2009 season, so expecting 12-15 wins, 180 strikeouts, an ERA around 2.80, and a WHIP around 1.15 seem likely for Price in 2009. However in fantasy baseball keeper leagues that allow you to keep players for as long as you want, Price is a must have, since he could easily be a top 5 overall fantasy baseball starting pitcher for the next eight years.

15. Justin Verlander - Detroit Tigers (26)

If not for a complete disaster during the 2008 season, Verlander would likely have been a top 8 overall fantasy baseball starting pitcher option in keeper leagues heading into the 2009 season. However as it stands, Verlander will likely get drafted after other starting pitchers who pitched better than him in 2008, which means Verlander offers outstanding value from where he is likely to get drafted and what he is capable of over the next five years in fantasy baseball leagues. A final stat line in 2009 could include 15-18 wins, 190 strikeouts, an ERA around 3.75, and WHIP around 1.25. Similar numbers can be expected from him over the next three to five years as well.

16. John Lackey - Los Angeles Angels (30)

After missing the first month and a half to begin the 2008 season with an injury, Lackey still posted very good fantasy stats by the end of the 2008 season. With health and age on his side entering the 2009 season, Lackey has the potential to post 15-18 wins, 180 strikeouts, a 3.00-3.25 ERA, and a WHIP around 1.20. Entering the prime of his career at age 30, Lackey should be a very good fantasy baseball starting pitcher capable of producing 15 wins and 180 strikeouts through the 2011 season.

17. Carlos Zambrano - Chicago Cubs (28)

Zambrano is young, consistent, and very reliable in fantasy baseball terms, so expecting another top 20 overall starting pitcher performance from him in 2009 is nearly guaranteed. 15-18 wins, 170 strikeouts, an ERA around 3.80, and a WHIP around 1.30 is a great bet for Zambrano in 2009 and for another three years after as well.

18. Zack Greinke - Kansas City Royals (25)

Greinke at age 25 and with two excellent fantasy baseball seasons already under his belt, but not many wins to show his success thanks to the Royals offense, will likely be passed over by many fantasy baseball managers in 2009 fantasy baseball drafts. However 12-15 wins, 180-200 strikeouts, a sub 3.50 ERA, and a WHIP around 1.25 seem likely for Greinke in 2009. And best of all, Greinke could actually do better than those stats suggest, as he has the potential to finish the 2009 season as a top 15 overall fantasy baseball starting pitcher. During his prime, Greinke has the ability to post 18 wins, 230 plus strikeouts, an ERA around 3.00, and a WHIP around 1.10.

19. Yovani Gallardo - Milwaukee Brewers (23)

With Ben Sheets out of town, the once prized prospect Gallardo will get a chance to be the Brewers pitching ace in 2009. With just over 200 innings pitched likely from Gallardo during the 2009 season, stats in the range of 15 wins, 200 strikeouts, a 3.30 ERA, and a WHIP around 1.20 seem likely. Gallardo has the talent and ability to be a 200 plus strikeout, 15 win, and sub 3.30 ERA starting pitcher for the next eight years.

20. Roy Halladay - Toronto Blue Jays (32)

Just when we think maybe, just maybe, Halladay is starting to wear down, he goes out and posts a 20 win, 206 strikeout, 2.78 ERA, and 1.05 WHIP season in 2008. At age 32, Halladay is definitely at the pinnacle of his career, and I do not expect too much of a drop off in production from him during the 2009 season. 15-18 wins, 180-200 strikeouts, a 2.80-3.00 ERA, and a 1.10 WHIP can be expected from Halladay in 2009. A slight decrease in stats in likely over the next three seasons, however Halladay should still remain a top 20 overall starting pitcher during those seasons.

OTHERS:

21. Ervin Santana - Los Angeles Angels (26)
22. Josh Beckett - Boston Red Sox (29)
23. Scott Kazmir - Tampa Bay Rays (25)
24. Adam Wainwright - St. Louis Cardinals (27)
25. Roy Oswalt - Houston Astros (31)
26. Daisuke Matsuzaka - Boston Red Sox (28)
27. James Shields - Tampa Bay Rays (27)
28. Jered Weaver - Los Angeles Angels (26)
29. Matt Cain - San Francisco Giants (24)
30. Cliff Lee - Cleveland Indians (30)

31. Erik Bedard - Seattle Mariners (30)
32. Matt Garza - Tampa Bay Rays (25)
33. Rich Harden - Chicago Cubs (27)
34. Josh Johnson - Florida Marlins (25)
35. John Maine - New York Mets (28)
36. Max Scherzer - Arizona Diamondback (25)
37. Scott Baker - Minnesota Twins (27)
38. Oliver Perez - Free Agent (27)
39. John Danks - Chicago White Sox (24)
40. Chien Ming Wang - New York Yankees (29)

41. Johnny Cueto - Cincinnati Reds (23)
42. Mike Pelfrey - New York Mets (25)
43. Clayton Kershaw - Los Angeles Dodgers (21)
44. Chris Young - San Diego Padres (30)
45. Ryan Dempster - Chicago Cubs (32)
46. AJ Burnett - New York Yankees (32)
47. Ben Sheets - Free Agent (31)
48. Brett Myers - Philadelphia Phillies (28)
49. Aaron Harang - Cincinnati Reds (31)
50. Mark Buehrle - Chicago White Sox (30)

51. Ubaldo Jimenez - Colorado Rockies (25)
52. Kevin Slowey - Minnesota Twins (25)
53. Andrew Miller - Florida Marlins (24)
54. Wade Davis - Tampa Bay Rays (23)
55. Chris Volstad - Florida Marlins (22)
56. Nick Adenhart - Los Angeles Angels (22)
57. Ricky Nolasco - Florida Marlins (26)
58. Gavin Floyd - Chicago White Sox (26)
59. Manny Parra - Milwaukee Brewers (26)
60. Kyle Kendrick - Philadelphia Phillies (24)

61. Joe Saunders - Los Angeles Angels (28)
62. Ian Snell - Pittsburgh Pirates (27)
63. Jeremy Guthrie - Baltimore Orioles (30)
64. Fausto Carmona - Cleveland Indians (25)
65. Jair Jurrjens - Atlanta Braves (23)
66. Anibal Sanchez - Florida Marlins (25)
67. Clay Buchholz - Boston Red Sox (24)
68. Brandon Morrow - Seattle Mariners (25)
69. Jonathan Sanchez - San Francisco Giants (26)
70. Franklin Morales - Colorado Rockies (23)

71. Javier Vazquez - Atlanta Braves (33)
72. Justin Duchscherer - Oakland Athletics (31)
73. Phil Hughes - New York Yankees (23)
74. Gio Gonzalez - Oakland Athletics (23)
75. Luke Hochevar - Kansas City Royals (25)
76. Jamie Garcia - St. Louis Cardinals (23)
77. Dana Eveland - Oakland Athletics (25)
78. Jeff Niemann - Tampa Bay Rays (26)
79. Jeremy Bonderman - Detroit Tigers (26)
80. Dontrelle Willis - Detroit Tigers (27)

81. Dustin McGowan - Toronto Blue Jays (27)
82. Brad Penny - Boston Red Sox (31)
83. Joe Blanton - Philadelphia Phillies (28)
84. Barry Zito - San Francisco Giants (31)
85. John Lannan - Washington Nationals (24)
86. Jeff Francis - Colorado Rockies (28)
87. Jesse Litsch - Toronto Blue Jays (24)
88. Aaron Laffey - Cleveland Indians (24)
89. Wandy Rodriguez - Houston Astros (30)
90. Paul Maholm - Pittsburgh Pirates (27)

91. Chris Carpenter - St. Louis Cardinals (34)
92. Anthony Reyes - Cleveland Indians (27)
93. Tommy Hanson - Atlanta Braves (22)
94. Chris Tillman - Baltimore Orioles (21)
95. Carlos Carrasco - Philadelphia Phillies (22)
96. James McDonald - Los Angeles Dodgers (24)
97. Armando Galarraga - Detroit Tigers (27)
98. Scott Olsen - Washington Nationals (25)
99. Homer Bailey - Cincinnati Reds (23)
100. Rich Hill - Baltimore Orioles (29)

2009 FANTASY BASEBALL POSITION RANKINGS

2009 Fantasy Baseball: Catcher (C) Rankings - Top 30

2009 Fantasy Baseball: First Base (1B) Rankings - Top 50

2009 Fantasy Baseball: Second Base (2B) Rankings - Top 40

2009 Fantasy Baseball: Third Base (3B) Rankings - Top 40

2009 Fantasy Baseball: Shortstop (SS) Rankings - Top 40

2009 Fantasy Baseball: Outfield (OF) Rankings - Top 120

2009 Fantasy Baseball: Starting Pitcher (SP) Rankings - Top 150

2009 Fantasy Baseball: Relief Pitcher (RP) Rankings - Top 70

2009 FANTASY BASEBALL KEEPER LEAGUE RANKINGS

2009 Fantasy Baseball: Keeper League Catcher (C) Rankings - Top 40

2009 Fantasy Baseball: Keeper League First Base (1B) Rankings - Top 60

2009 Fantasy Baseball: Keeper League Second Base (2B) Rankings - Top 40

2009 Fantasy Baseball: Keeper League Third Base (3B) Rankings - Top 40

2009 Fantasy Baseball: Keeper League Shortstop (SS) Rankings - Top 40

2009 Fantasy Baseball: Keeper League Outfield (OF) Rankings - Top 100