Early on in the 2009 Major League Baseball season, there are a few pitchers having great seasons. Here’s a look at the best of the best so far this season:

1) Zack Greinke, Kansas City Royals
In the American League, there isn’t a starting pitcher anywhere near as good as Zack Greinke at this point in the 2009 season. After seven starts, he has six wins and a miniscule ERA of 0.51. In 53 innings of work, he has 59 strikeouts while allowing only 34 hits and eight walks. Greinke by himself could keep Kansas City in the playoff race for the duration of the year.

2) Johan Santana, New York Mets
Johan Santana makes a ton of money. This year, he’s showing exactly why that’s the case. Over the course of seven starts and 46 innings, Santana has an ERA of 0.78, 60 strikeouts and four wins. While his numbers aren’t as impressive as Greinke’s, he’s easily the best pitcher so far in the National League.

3) Wandy Rodriguez, Houston Astros
Although Rodriguez isn’t exactly a young prospect, he’s finally blossoming into the player scouts always believed he could be throughout his career. After eight starts, Rodriguez has a 1.90 ERA to go with 48 strikeouts in 52 innings. So far this season, he’s the only pitcher giving Santana a race for the NL Cy Young Award.

4) Frank Francisco, Texas Rangers
Of all the closers in the major leagues, Frank Francisco has the most impressive stats. He has nine saves and hasn’t even given up an earned run this season. To go along with his 0.00 ERA, Francisco has a 0.75 WHIP and the 29-year-old has emerged as a top-flight closer.

5) Johnny Cueto, Cincinnati Reds
At only 23, Johnny Cueto is starting to become one of the best pitchers in baseball. He got off to a little bit of a shaky start this season but he’s gotten it together and is now mowing down hitters. After seven starts, the native of the Dominican Republic has a 1.93 ERA and a record of 4-1.

Tags: baseball pitchers, houston astros, Kansas City Royals, New York Mets, texas rangers
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