Oct 7, 2011; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Ian Kennedy throws a pitch in the second inning of game five of the 2011 NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

Each year the MLB Network ranks the top ten players at each position in all of baseball with the addition of managers. Over the next several weeks, I will list those rankings here and show why many of them are ridiculous including some D-backs snubs.

MLB Networks Starting Pitchers  

1. Roy Halladay
2. Justin Verlander
3. Cliff Lee
4. Felix Hernandez
5. Clayton Kershaw
6. Jered Weaver
7. Tim Lincecum
8. Dan Haren
9. C.C Sabathia
10. Zack Greinke

The whole “year of the pitcher” idea has been done to death a bit over the last couple of years but does not mean it’s not accurate. It seems that there is 12-20 pitchers that could be considered aces which makes a top ten list very hard to create.  I don’t have much of a problem with these selections except for one giant mistake at the very end. I am not sure how Greinke could be considered in the top 20 right now, let alone the top ten. To be an ace, you have to be trusted in the playoffs and it was obvious the Brewers were hiding Greinke last year in the playoffs, not featuring him. Ian Kennedy could take that place if he has another season similar to last year but for now, Cole Hamels, James Shields or Matt Cain would all be suitable replacements for Greinke.

My Rankings:

1. Roy Halladay
2. Justin Verlander
3. Felix Hernandez
4. Clayton Kershaw
5. Cliff Lee
6. Jered Weaver
7. Tim Lincecum
8. Dan Haren
9. James Shields
10. C.C. Sabathia

Photo courtesy azsnakepit.com

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