1  Johan Santana - NYM

In Santana’s first National League season, he posted a career-best 2.53 ERA.  He’s compiled 5 years with at least 15 wins and 200+ Ks, although some of his peripheral statistics took a hit last season.  His strikeout ratio dropped and he walked a career-high 63 batters, but that’s not enough to bounce him out of the top fantasy pitcher slot. 

2  CC Sabathia - NYY

Sabathia signed a hefty free agent contract and should receive plenty of run support from a powerful Yankee lineup.  After a horrendous start, (1-4, 7.76 ERA in April), he found his groove and eventually his way to Milwaukee. Over the past 4 years, his strikeout total has increased while his ERA has fallen.  Sabathia is prime choice to anchor your fantasy rotation.

3  Tim Lincecum - SF

Last year’s Cy Young Award winner managed 18 wins on an offensively deficient Giants squad.  Lincecum amazingly whiffed 265 batters in 227 IP and the “kid” has become one of the most feared pitchers in baseball.  His walk total was high, 84, but he sported a 1.17 WHIP.  If he improves his control, there’s still some room for improvement.  That’s scary.

4  Roy Halladay - TOR

Halladay has evolved into an old-fashioned workhorse.  He threw 9 complete games and racked up 246 IP on his way to 20 wins.  He hit the 200 K mark for the first time since 2004 and finished with a 2.78 ERA.  Halladay was very consistent throughout the season having only 1 month with ERA above 3.00 (Sep – 3.34).  It’s that reliability that makes him a draft day target.

5  Dan Haren - ARI

Haren adapted to the National League well, posting career-highs in wins (16) and strikeouts (206).  He got off to a fast start 2.72 ERA/ .211 AVE but slowed in the second half 4.18 ERA / .294 AVE.  Haren completed four straight seasons with 33+ starts, so fatigue might be catching up to him later in the year.  Pitching behind Brandon Webb and in the NL West may finally give Haren number 1 fantasy starter status.

6  Jake Peavy - SD

Peavy missed several games in 2008 and his statistics reflected the lost time.  During the offseason, he became involved in trade talks as San Diego attempted to shed salary.  Nothing was consummated, but he still might be a trade deadline acquisition.  In the meantime, owners have to hope that the poor lineup around him is offset by the spacious confines of Petco Park.

7  Brandon Webb - ARI

Webb has steadily increased his win total over the past 3 years, culminating with his first 20-win season in 2008.  He has a 219 IP per season career average and some lingering arm issues have cropped up.  Webb has been seeking a contract extension and that might be the reason behind the delay.  He’ll enter your draft as someone’s first pitcher selected.

8  John Lackey - LAA

Lackey missed the first month of the season with a triceps injury breaking a 5-year streak of 32 games started.   It wasn’t a complete loss for owners since he finished with 12 wins and a 3.75 ERA.  Many had higher expectations and he often looked vulnerable to the homerun (26 HRs over 163 innings).  Talks have stalled with the Angels as Lackey enters a contract year, setting him up for a 2009 free agent run.

9  Cole Hamels - PHI

Hamels posted a career-best 3.09 ERA and 1.08 WHIP but somehow saw his loss total spike from 5 to 10. The season resulted in the ultimate success with Hamels winning the World Series MVP and a 3-year 20.5 million dollar contract.  He’s a hard thrower, so he’s susceptible to the usual arm issues and to the long ball, (28 HRs in 2008).  Hamels remains a risky, high upside draft pick.

10  Josh Beckett - BOS

A variety of injury issues disabled Beckett’s 2008 season. After a 20 win, 3.27 ERA, 1.14 WHIP performance in 2007, he turned in 12 wins, 1.19 WHIP, and a 4.03 ERA.  It wasn’t terrible, but owners expected a lot more.  Beckett certainly has the ingredients for a Cy Young winner, but you can’t depend on his health.