Aroldis Chapman dominated National League batters during the first week of the regular season.  The Cincinnati Reds’ flame-thrower tossed 5IP/ 2H/ 0R/ 0BB/ 10K of 17 total batters faced.  Chapman currently leads all MLB pitchers with a Factor12 Rating of 37.537 after one week of play.

Justin Verlander opened the season with a dominating performance against the Boston Red Sox.  The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner hurled 8IP / 2H / 0R / 1BB / 7K.  Verlander was positioned to capture the number one ranking entering the ninth inning of his second start.  Inexplicably, after limiting Tampa Bay to just one hit over the first eight innings, Verlander surrendered four runs in the final frame.

Corey Wade is a perfect example of how early season success can reward relief pitchers with a high Factor12 Rating.  The New York Yankees’ right-hander completed the following line: 5IP/ 2H/ 0ER/ 1BB/ 9K facing a total of 19 batters.

The most surprising entry in the Factor12 Top in 2012 is unquestionably, Barry Zito.  The San Francisco Giants’ left-hander hurled a four-hit shutout at Coors Field in his first start of the season.  The often-maligned Zito currently holds the fourth spot.

Roy Halladay rounds out the top five after posting two quality performances against Pittsburgh and Miami to open the new campaign.