Top 5 Fantasy Surprises So Far in 2010: Pitchers

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*These stats are as of 5/26/2010. The stats next to their names are W-L/SO/ERA/WHIP.

These pitchers are the biggest surprises of the season so far…

5. Tyler Clippard, RP of the Washington Nationals

7-3/33/2.12/1.15 with 10 holds

For a bullpen guy to have a 7-3 record so quickly into the season is unusual at best. Plus how many Nationals relief pitchers are head and shoulders above the rest of the league while NOT being a closer?

Debbi Taylor talks with Tyler Clippard about his good start and being in a setup role

4. Mike Leake, SP of the Cinncinati Reds

4-0/39/2.91/1.18 with 5 no decisions

In 4 of those no decisions, Leake surrendered only 1 ER; therefore, he could easily be 8-0. On top of that, he didn’t pitch a single inning in the minor leagues! He may not be the best rookie in the NL in 2010, but he’s doing something that neither Strasburgh nor Chapman have done (breaking spring training pitching in majors).

Mike “Godzilla” Leake warming up

3. Carlos Silva, SP of the Chicago Cubs

6-0/31/3.52/1.21

Well it looks like the Cubs have won the jackpot as the team who finally benefits from Silva living up to his potential. OR, is he due to come crashing down to earth? Is he the real deal or a prime sell high candidate in those Fantasy Leagues?

Editor’s Note: I couldn’t find a video of Silva with the Cubs…I guess that makes my point now doesn’t it?

2. Barry Zito, SP of the San Francisco Giants

6-2/37/2.80.1.15

He is finally earning his keep in SF and living up to his yearly salary, but will it last? He has the raw stuff and the early word is that he has regained the proper feel for pitches of his that he has struggled with in recent years (with the Giants). Given those reports, I think his resurgence is for real!

MLB: Zito’s gem

1. Ubaldo Jimenez, SP of the Colorado Rockies

8-1/58/0.99/0.93

A pitcher who could put up numbers like this in Coors Field, prior to the Humidor, would be viewed as other worldly. Now, is it just the awakening of a young ace of the Rockies rotation or just a great start to the season? Can he keep this up or is he a major sell HIGH candidate? You decide, but only time will tell!

Rockies Tribute to for Ubaldo’s No-hitter