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MLB: Power Ranking All 30 Major League Starting Rotations

By Nicholas Ian Allen

Feb 19, 2014; Port St Lucie, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) chats with the pitchers including Doug Fister (58) (in blue) in spring training action at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2014; Port St Lucie, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) chats with the pitchers including Doug Fister (58) (in blue) in spring training action at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 16, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Josh Collmenter (55) pitches in the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Josh Collmenter (55) pitches in the third inning against the San Francisco Giants at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

8. <p><strong>Projected Starting Rotation:</strong></p> <ul> <li>RHP Josh Collmenter (11-9, 3.46 ERA, 33 G, 28 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Rubby De La Rosa (4-8, 4.43 ERA, 19 G, 18 GS with Boston in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Jeremy Hellickson (1-5, 4.52 ERA, 13 GS with Tampa Bay in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Chase Anderson (9-7, 4.01 ERA, 21 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Archie Bradley (3-7, 4.45 ERA, 19 GS in the Minor Leagues in 2014)</li> </ul> <p><span style=. 5th. NL West. Arizona Diamondbacks. 29. player

Josh Collmenter wasn’t even a considered starter on Opening Day 2014, much less an Opening Day starter. After pitching 49 games out of the bullpen in 2013, the 29-year old right-hander made four more relief appearances at the beginning of last season before moving into the starting rotation for the rest of the year.

Now, he’s penciled in to take the mound April 6 against the defending World Champs.

"“It’s really special, just to see all the guys that have done it in years past,” Collmenter said recently. “For me, not knowing if I was going to be really a legitimate starter ever again — you know, maybe just a spot start here and there — and then to go from bullpen last year to now being the Opening Day starter is pretty special. It helps cement the fact that I can be a starter in this league and be successful.”"

Though far from spectacular or a prototypical ace, Collmenter is solid. The rest of the D-Backs starting rotation? Less so.

Rubby De La Rosa and Jeremy Hellickson were once hotshot prospects that have cooled down considerably. However, they’ve got a chance to capitalize on opportunities with a new club this season.

Chase Anderson was solid in his rookie season and has posted a 1.84 ERA this spring, but isn’t top of the rotation material. The D-Backs traded Trevor Cahill to Atlanta, which likely means super prospect Archie Bradley (3-2, 1.61 ERA, 6G 4 GS this spring) will be in the rotation in April.

Daniel Hudson and Randall Delgado have starting experience, but are slated for the bullpen to start the season.

Next: 28. Colorado Rockies

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