Starting Pitcher Rankings - National League 21-30

21. Chris Capuano - One of the top pitchers in the NL in quality starts. Had a real rough 2nd half, but he is an innings eater who gets good strikeout numbers. On an improved MIL team, 15+ wins and sub 3.90 ERA can be expected.

22. Josh Johnson - Took the fantasy and MLB world by storm last year by leading the NL in ERA for a big chunk of the year. I saw him pitch a lot last year and he has great stuff and composure. He would be higher on the list if it wasn't for concerns with his forearm/elbow. He thinks he will be ready to go to open the season, but buyer beware...

23. Scott Olsen - Reminds me a lot of Kazmir. Great strikeout numbers for a rookie and could see that number increase quite a bit this year. I do have some injury concerns because of the jump in innings pitched and it was just 1 1/2 years ago that he had a bone spur removed from his elbow.

24. John Patterson - Another injury risk, but has tremendous upside.
Had elbow surgery in July, and reports are that he is feeling great. Temper your win projections for Patterson, but a 3.5o ERA with strong K numbers are a strong possibility.

25. Anibal Sanchez - Yet another Marlin pitcher with potential injury risk. Had a dream rookie season debuting against the Yankees, pitching a no-hitter against the Diamondbacks, and posting a sub 3.00 ERA. Complained of shoulder stiffnes, MRI headed negative results and Sanchez believes he will be ready to go opening day. If healthy, expect a 3.75 ERA, 12 Wins, and an improved strikeout rate from '06.

26. John Maine - High-risk/high-reward pick here. Pitched like a veteran down the stretch last year and into the post season. Minor league numbers are solid, but not spectacular. Just a hunch here, but I think he is a big time sleeper in NL leagues.

27. Greg Maddux - I'm sure you've read all about his numbers after the trade to LA (6-3, 3.30 ERA and 1.09 WHIP). I feel Mr.Reliable has another solid season in him before he calls it quits. Pitching in spacious PETCO, I see 3.85 ERA, 14 wins and a 1.19 WHIP. A great guy to nab as a compliment to a bigger strikeout pitcher with a higher WHIP such as Zambrano or Brett Myers.

28. Freddy Garcia - Generally an AL pitcher moving to the NL should see a nice improvement in the ERA. Temper some of the enthusiasm as he will be pitching in a little league park. The bright side is Cellular Field wasn't much better for pitchers. I like this guys bulldog mentality and 15 wins with a 4.08 ERA is not out of reach.

29. Ian Snell - This guy reminds me of a smaller version of Brett Myers. Both had similar minor league success rates with strong K/9 and H/9 numbers. Expect a breakout similar to the Myers' breakout '05 season. Keep an eye on the elbow in the spring as he was shutdown late last season.

30. Jeff Francis - I think this guy has figured out how to pitch in COL. Will he ever post ace-type numbers while there? Probably not. Will he continue to improve his WHIP, ERA, and K/9? Absoutely. Wouldn't be surprised to see him win 15 as I believe he is the Rockies ace.