MLB: Power Ranking All 30 Major League Starting Rotations

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 /

With spring training over, the 2015 Major League Baseball season is here. In preparation, we’ve taken the liberty of power ranking all 30 starting rotations.

It’s been five long months since the San Francisco Giants were crowned World Champions following a Game 7 World Series victory over the Kansas City Royals. Led by World Series MVP and 24-year old ace Madison Bumgarner, the Giants won their third title in five seasons on the strength of top notch starting pitching. The Royals also rode a quality pitching staff all the way to their first playoff appearance (let along their first American League pennant) in 30 years.

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But as good as the Giants and Royals were on the mound last season (with team ERAs of 3.50 and 3.51, respectively), thanks to an aging roster (Giants) and the loss of a top of the rotation star (Royals), neither even ranks among the top five Major League starting rotations heading into 2015.

With spring training is in the books and all 30 big league clubs have packed up and headed north to begin the 2015 season, each and every club is certain they have improved their starting five over the past five months. All Stars are better than ever, youngsters and overlooked veterans are ready to break out and rookies are finally ready to step up as a difference maker on the way to the postseason.

So who has the best rotation in baseball? Is it the Los Angeles Dodgers and their historic one-two duo of reigning National League Cy Young Award and MVP Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke? The Washington Nationals and their start-studded group of starters headlined by the newly acquired ace Max Scherzer? Or perhaps the St. Louis Cardinals, Seattle Mariners or Detroit Tigers?

For our rankings, only the top five projected starters were considered. The only exceptions are pitchers expected to begin the 2015 season on the disabled list but return to the rotation in April. Past performance was paramount in our rankings, though the potential to improve or disappoint could obviously not be ignored.

Next: 30. Minnesota Twins

Aug 21, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Phil Hughes (45) pitches in the first against the Cleveland Indians at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

30. player. 2. Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>RHP Phil Hughes (16-10, 3.52 ERA, 32 GS in 2014)</li> <li><del>RHP Ervin Santana (14-10, 3.95 ERA, 31 GS with Atlanta in 2014)</del></li> <li>RHP Ricky Nolasco (6-12, 5.38 ERA, 27 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Kyle Gibson (13-12, 4.47 ERA, 31 GS in 2014)</li> <li>LHP Tommy Milone (6-4, 4.19 ERA, 22 GS combined with Oakland and Minnesota in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Mike Pelfrey (0-3, 7.99 ERA, 5 GS in 2014)</li> </ul> <span style=. 5th. AL Central. Minnesota Twins

Prior to the 2014 season, the Minnesota Twins invested good money in free agents Phil Hughes and Ricky Nolasco, and many baseball analysts rolled their eyes in what seemed to be wasteful spending for a perennial loser with a bad pitching staff.

Hughes signed a reasonable three-year, $24 million deal and responded with the best season of his career. He won 16 games, had a staller 3.52 ERA and set a Major League record with an 11.63 to 1 strikeout to walk ratio (186 K’s to 18 walks). The performance earned him a three-year, $42 million contract extension through 2019.

Nolasco, on the other hand, signed a $49 million deal and repaid the front office with a 5.38 ERA and the Twins as a whole allowed more runs than any team in Major League baseball and finished dead last with an ERA of 5.06 among starters.

The usually very dependable Ervin Santana (who has seven seasons of 30 starts or more in nine years in the big leagues) is the new free agent on staff. He signed a $55 million deal in the offseason, but was slapped with an 80-game suspension Friday.

Kyle Gibson and Tommy Milone are back and were expected to take the fourth and fifth spots, respectively before Santana’s suspension. Mike Pelfrey had a great spring (1.15 ERA in 15.2 innings) and should now begin the season in the rotation. Prospects Trevor May and Jose Berrios could factor in as well.

Next: 29. Arizona Diamondbacks

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. Projected Starting Rotation: <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> <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

Mar 15, 2015; Salt River Pima-Maricopa, AZ, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Kyle Kendrick (38) throws during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

4th. NL West. Colorado Rockies. 28. player. 108. Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>RHP Kyle Kendrick (10-13, 4.61 ERA, 32 GS for Philadelphia in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Jordan Lyles (7-4, 4.33 ERA, 22 GS in 2014)</li> <li>LHP Tyler Matzek (6-11, 4.05 ERA, 20 G, 19 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Eddie Butler (1-1, 6.75 ERA, 3 GS in 2014)</li> <li>LHP Jorge De La Rosa (14-11, 4.10 ERA, 32 GS in 2014)</li> </ul>

Like Josh Collmenter in Arizona, Kyle Kendrick isn’t exactly your prototypical Opening Day starter or staff ace. He’s not a flashy flame-thrower and instead relies on changing speeds and inducing ground balls, but has been consistent and dependable – which is exactly what the Rockies need.

The 30-year old signed with Colorado after eight seasons in Philadelphia, where he served the bulk of that time as middle of the rotation starter. But Kendrick will be on the mound on Monday in Milwaukee, and most importantly for a team that sent 15 starters to the mound in 2014, he is expected to start more than 30 times afterward.

After Kendrick, 24-year olds Jordan Lyles and Tyler Matzek will take their turn in the rotation. Lyles has four years of big league experience, but his 4.33 ERA in 2014 was the first time he ever recorded an ERA below 5.00. The lefty Matzek finished last season strong with a 1.69 ERA across four starts in September.

They may be the worst starting five in the game at this point, but the Rockies’ young rotation has a lot of upside, especially if highly touted right-handed prospects Jon Gray and Eddie Butler (either of which could develop into the staff ace) prove ready for the big leagues. Gray is expected to begin the season in Triple-A, but he and his triple digit fastball should be in the rotation in April or May.

Also, Jorge De La Rosa – who would be the Opening Day starter if healthy – will help once he returns from a left groin injury. He is expected to make his first start April 14. Other options for the rotation include Christian Bergman and David Hale.

Next: 27. Philadelphia Phillies

Mar 16, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) throws a warm up pitch against the Baltimore Orioles at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

27. player. 6. Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>LHP Cole Hamels (9-9, 2.46 ERA, 30 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Aaron Harang (12-12, 3.57 ERA, 33 GS in Atlanta in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Jerome Williams (6-7, 4.77 ERA, 37 G, 11 GS combined with Houston, Texas and Philadelphia in 2014)</li> <li>RHP David Buchanan (6-8, 3.75 ERA, 20 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Chad Billingsley (DNP in 2014, 1-0, 3.00 ERA, 2 GS in 2013 with the Dodgers)</li> </ul>. 5th. NL East. Philadelphia Phillies

Yes, the Phillies have Cole Hamels, but there are two big reasons why they rank so low on our list.

Hamels is the unquestioned ace in Philadelphia and is one of the best pitchers in the Major Leagues. He’s been one of the most dependable and productive starters in baseball over the past nine seasons but (1) he’s all the Phillies have got and (2) he’s not likely to be pitching for the Phillies after the July 31 trade deadline.

Sure, Philadelphia signed Aaron Harang, who was very good for the Braves in 2014. However, the 36-year old isn’t likely to repeat last year’s performance and is more likely to resemble the veteran that posted a 5.40 ERA in 2013.

The same can be said for 33-year old journeyman Jerome Williams, who was great in nine starts for the Phils (4-2, 2.83) but was released by the Astros (1-4, 6.04 ERA) and Rangers (1-1, 9.90) before landing in Philadelphia.

David Buchanan was impressive as a rookie in 2014 and has a bright future as a middle of the rotation starter. Sean O’Sullivan (who was reassigned to minor league camp) is likely to handle the fifth starter role until Chad Billingsley joins the rotation in late April.

Cliff Lee is already on the 60-day DL with a left forearm strain. His return for 2015 is in question.

Next: 26. Texas Rangers

Mar 22, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo (49) throws during the third inning against the Seattle Mariners at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

AL West. Texas Rangers. 26. player. 95. Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>RHP Yovani Gallardo (8-11, 3.51 ERA, 32 GS with Milwaukee in 2014)</li> <li>LHP Derek Holland (2-0, 1.46 ERA, 6 GS, 5 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Colby Lewis (10-14, 5.18 ERA, 29 GS in 2014)</li> <li>LHP Ross Detwiler (2-3, 4.00 ERA, 47 G with Washington in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Nick Martinez (5-12, 4.55 ERA, 29 G, 24 GS in 2014)</li> </ul>. 5th

Texas would obviously be higher if Yu Darvish weren’t expected to miss the entire 2015 season recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Instead of having one of Major League Baseball’s true aces on the mound on Opening Day and every fifth day thereafter, the snake-bitten Rangers will turn to newcomer Yovani Gallardo to handle the top of the rotation duties he held in Milwaukee over the past half decade.

Derek Holland, who was spectacular in five late season starts following knee surgery, will take the fifth turn in the rotation to start the home opener April 10 against the Astros. Gallardo and Holland should be solid in 2015, but the rest of the staff leaves something to be desired.

Colby Lewis is back after a poor 2014 showing and Ross Detwiler joins the rotation after being squeezed out of a job in Washington and spending last season in the bullpen for the Nationals. Nick Martinez was less than spectacular as a rookie in 2014, but will start the season as the fifth starter.

Matt Harrison and Martin Perez are both scheduled to begin the season on the disabled list. Harrison recently began throwing after two-plus years of back issues. He had spinal fusion surgery last year and has no specific return date. Perez is recovering from Tommy John surgery and isn’t expected to return until at least July.

Next: 25. Houston Astros

Mar 7, 2015; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel (60) pitches during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the New York Yankees at Osceola County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

25. player. 135. Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>LHP Dallas Keuchel (12-9, 2.93 ERA, 29 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Scott Feldman (8-12, 3.74 ERA, 29 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Collin McHugh (11-9, 2.73 ERA, 25 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Roberto Hernandez (8-11, 4.10 ERA, 32 G, 29 GS combined with Philadelphia and Los Angeles in 2014)</li> <li>*LHP Brett Oberholtzer (5-13, 4.39 ERA, 24 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Asher Wojciechowski (4-4, 4.75 ERA, 15 G, 14 GS with Triple-A Oklahoma City in 2014)</li> </ul> <span style=. 4th. AL West. Houston Astros

Most baseball fans probably wouldn’t be able to pick one of the five starters out of a lineup, but the Houston Astros starting rotation is no longer one of the five worst in the big leagues.

Lefty Dallas Keuchel looked like an ace last season with a 2.93 ERA in 29 starts, five of which were complete games, and won the pitcher’s American League Gold Glove Award. He also led the Major Leagues with a 3.63 ground ball to fly ball ratio.

For his performance last season, the 27-year old earned the nod as the Astros’ Opening Day starter. It’s a pressure-packed role that is key to Houston’s success in 2015.

"“If Dallas were able to repeat his performance from last year, that’s a critical component of us being successful,” Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said recently. “He is our ace. We rely on those guys to go out there every five games and keep you in the game. He’s capable of doing that. Knowing Dallas, he could step it up to the next level. I think Dallas has some 15-20 win seasons in his future, and hopefully as soon as this year.”"

As for the rest of the staff, Collin McHugh was nearly as good as Keuchel last year in an amazing about-face from his dreadful 2013 performance (10.04 ERA in seven combined games with the New York Mets and Colorado Rockies). Scott Feldman provided the solid veteran presence of which he was asked, and Roberto Hernandez (if that is his real name) will add to the unit’s experience this season.

Asher Wojciechowski hasn’t pitched in the big leagues yet, but is expected to be on the Opening Day roster and fill in at least until Brett Oberholtzer is recovered from a left lat strain.

Next: 24. Tampa Bay Rays

Mar 23, 2015; Port Charlotte, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer (22) in the dugout before he pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

21. Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>RHP Chris Archer (10-9, 3.33 ERA, 32 GS in 2014)</li> <li>*RHP Alex Cobb (10-9, 2.87 ERA, 27 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Erasmo Ramirez (1-6, 5.26 ERA, 17 G, 14 GS with Seattle in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Jake Odorizzi (11-13, 4.13 ERA, 31 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Nate Karns (1-1, 4.50 ERA, 2 GS in 2014)</li> <li>*LHP Matt Moore (0-2, 2.70 ERA, 2 GS in 2014)</li> </ul>. 5th. AL East. Tampa Bay Rays. 24. player

The Tampa Bay Rays haven’t had a 200-inning starter since 2012 when both David Price and James Shields passed the mark, and unless this year’s group gets much healthier, they won’t have one this season either.

Opening Day starter Chris Archer was close last year (194.2 innings across 32 starts), but the Tampa Bay starting rotation will need to log more time on the mound to keep the pressure off the bullpen in order to stay in the playoff race in 2015.

While Matt Moore, Alex Cobb and Drew Smyly are expected to hold down three of the five spots in the rotation, none of the three (nor Alex Colome, who also had visa issues in addition to pneumonia) are expected to be healthy enough to start the season there. Moore is recovering from Tommy John surgery, Cobb was scratched from Opening Day with right-tendinitis, and Smyly has been dealing with left-shoulder tendinitis.

In the mean time, Matt Andriese, Everett Teaford and Burch Smith may have a chance to start behind middle of the rotation starters Jake Odorizzi and Nate Karns. Mike Montgomery, another starting candidate, was traded to Seattle last week for Erasmo Ramirez.

Next: 23. Milwaukee Brewers

Mar 21, 2015; Surprise, AZ, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Kyle Lohse (26) pitches against the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

NL Central. Milwaukee Brewers. 23. player. 76. Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>RHP Kyle Lohse (13-9, 3.54 ERA, 31 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Matt Garza (8-8, 3.64 ERA, 27 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Wily Peralta (17-11, 3.53 ERA, 32 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Jimmy Nelson (2-9, 4.93 ERA, 14 G, 12 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Mike Fiers (6-5, 2.13 ERA, 14 G, 10 GS in 2014)</li> </ul>. 5th

With Yovani Gallardo being shipped to Texas this offseason, Kyle Lohse will get the nod on Opening Day for the Brewers. It will be the third Opening Day start for the 36-year old right-hander, who started the season for the Cardinals in 2008 and 2012.

Matt Garza was solid again in 2014 and posted an ERA under 4.00 for the eighth consecutive season. However, Garza saw his strikeout numbers dip from 7.9 per nine innings in 2013 to 6.9 last year. After working hard on his slider during Spring Training, Garza expects those numbers to rise again towards his career average of 7.5.

Wily Peralta put up very similar numbers to Garza and is a solid No. 3 starter. He’ll be followed by Jimmy Nelson and Mike Fiers. Tyler Thornburg and Michael Blazek both started in the spring, but are better fits in the pen. Tyler Jungmann, Ariel Pena and Johnny Hellweg are potential options later in the season.

The reason the Brewers aren’t ranked higher is that while Lohse and Garza have had very good careers, both are injury risks and also capable of seeing a down year. Also, Peralta, Nelson and Fiers all have potential, but none are likely to emerge as a staff ace or even a top of the order starter. Plus, there are few capable options in the bullpen or Triple-A should one of the five falter or need a stint on the DL.

Next: 22. Toronto Blue Jays

Mar 1, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Drew Hutchison (36), relief pitcher Brett Cecil (27), relief pitcher Aaron Sanchez (41) and starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (6) look on during spring training workouts at Bobby Mattick Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s a new era north of the border with Drew Hutchison scheduled to make his first Opening Day start after knuckleballer R.A. Dickey opened each of the last two seasons. That setup begins an off-and-on mix of up-and-coming youngsters and veterans.

"“It’s really exciting, Opening Day is special,” Hutchison said after learning he would start Monday in New York. “At the end of the day, it’s one game but as we all know it’s Opening Day. The excitement, the energy that goes into it, it’s exciting; so I’m really looking forward to the day and I’m just humbled and honored. “You want to be the Opening Day starter, everybody does. I think everybody wants to do that, growing up that’s what you want to do. There’s a lot of responsibility with that. Obviously you’re excited, but I’m looking forward to that start and I’m looking forward to the season.”"

Rookie Daniel Norris earned the No. 3 spot this spring and will be followed by another former top of the rotation starter in Mark Buehrle. The 36-year old lefty is arguably the most dependable starter in baseball after completing his 14^th consecutive season of 30 starts or more.

Another youngster, 22-year old Aaron Sanchez, will work in the fifth spot after Marcus Stroman was sidelined with a torn ACL.

Next: 21. Cincinnati Reds

Sep 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Johnny Cueto (47) pitches during the first inning against the New York Mets at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports /

21. player. 61. Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>RHP Johnny Cueto (20-9, 2.25 ERA, 34 GS in 2014)</li> <li>*RHP Homer Bailey (9-5, 3.71 ERA in 23 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Mike Leake (11-13, 3.70 ERA in 33 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Anthony DeSclafani (2-2, 6.27 ERA, 13 G, 5 GS with Miami in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Jason Marquis (9-5, 4.05 ERA, 20 GS with San Diego in 2013)</li> <li>RHP Raisel Iglesias (0-3, 3.68 ERA, 6 G, 3 GS in 2014).</li> </ul>. 4th. NL Central. Cincinnati Reds

If not for that Kershaw guy, Johnny Cueto would have won the Cy Young Award in 2014 after winning 20 games and posting a 2.25 ERA in 34 starts, including four complete games and two shutouts.

The veteran right-hander allowed just 169 hits in a National League high 243.2 innings and 34 strikeouts. He tied for the NL and with 242 strikeouts and held opponents to a .194 average. He’s the obvious choice to start Opening Day (for the fourth straight season) and the unquestioned ace of the staff. The only question is whether or not this will be his final Opening Day in a Reds uniform for the soon to be free agent.

Dependable starter Mike Leake is back after another season of 30-plus starts and with a solid 3.70 ERA, but the rotation goes down quickly from there. Newcomer Anthony DeSclafani will fit into Mat Latos’ slot in the rotation after the two were swapped for one another in the off-season and 37-year old Jason Marquis is back in the big leagues after spending the majority of 2014 in the Phillies organization.

Homer Bailey had forearm surgery in September and will begin the season on the DL. Raisel Iglesias is expected to begin the season in the rotation in his place. Lefty Tony Cingrani will begin the year in the bullpen but has starting experience and prospects Michael Lorenzen and Robert Stephenson are candidates to pitch themselves into the rotation this season – especially if Cueto becomes trade bait this summer.

Next: 20. Boston Red Sox

Mar 12, 2015; Bradenton, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Clay Buchholz throws a pitch during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

The knock on Boston’s rotation entering the 2015 season is that they lack a true ace, which makes them the most discussed destination for Cole Hamels. Interestingly enough, 30-year old right-hander Clay Buchholz will make his first Opening Day start against Hamels and the Philadelphia Phillies Monday.

After an outstanding yet injury- shortened 2013 (12-1, 1.74 ERA in 16 starts) Buchholz struggled last year. He had two complete game shutouts, but allowed 101 earned runs in 152.1 innings (5.98 ERA) across the rest of his 26 starts.

Speaking of complete game shutouts, Rick Porcello had three in 31 starts in a breakout 2014 with the Tigers. He joined the Red Sox rotation following an off-season trade involving slugging outfielder Yeonis Cespedes. The 26-year old Porcello will handle the No. 2 spot in the rotation.

Justin Masterson and Wade Miley are two pretty-good-but-not-great options for the third and fourth spots in the rotation following bellow average seasons. Knuckleballer Steven Wright – who was sold this spring (2-0, 2.60 ERA in 17.1 innings) – will hold down the fifth spot in the rotation, at least until Joe Kelly returns from a right bicep injury or Boston deals for Hamels or another starter.

Next: 19. Miami Marlins

Mar 7, 2015; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Henderson Alvarez (37) warms up prior to a spring training baseball game against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

19. player. 82. Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>RHP Henderson Alvarez (12-7, 2.65 ERA, 30 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Mat Latos (5-5, 3.25 ERA, 16 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Tom Koehler (10-10, 3.81 ERA, 32 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Dan Haren (13-11, 4.02 ERA, 32 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Jarred Cosart (13-11, 3.69 ERA, 30 GS in 2014)</li> <li>*RHP Jose Fernandez (4-2, 2.44 ERA, 8 GS in 2014)</li> </ul>. 4th. NL East. Miami Marlins

Jose Fernandez is one of the best pitchers in baseball, but he won’t pitch for Miami until June. Therefore, Henderson Alvarez – who ranked sixth in the National League in ERA and tossed three complete game shutouts in 2014 – will start the season atop the starting rotation.

With Mat Latos joining the club following an off-season trade, the Marlins will have one of the best starting trios in the NL once Fernandez is fully healthy. Of course, Latos struggled with a 7.04 ERA in 15.1 innings across four Grapefruit League starts and was limited this spring after an elbow scope last fall.

Following Latos will be Tom Koehler, who was solid last season in his first full season in the big league rotation, and veteran newcomer Dan Haren, who joined the club in the Howie Kendrick-Andrew Heaney trade. Haren has started at least 30 games in each of the past ten seasons.

Jarred Cosart posted a 404 record and 2.39 ERA in ten starts after joining the Marlins last season, and following a gambling scare, appears ready to start the season in the fifth spot in the rotation.

Overall, the Marlins are improved compared to this season, and once Fernandez returns, could have one of the top ten rotations in the Majors.

Next: 18. New York Yankees

Mar 25, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (19) throws a pitch against the New York Mets at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

AL East. New York Yankees. 18. player. 43. Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>RHP Masahiro Tanaka (13-5, 2.77 ERA, 20 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Michael Pineda (5-5, 1.89 ERA, 13 GS in 2014)</li> <li>LHP C.C. Sabathia (3-4, 5.28 ERA, 8 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Nathan Eovaldi (6-14, 4.37 ERA, 33 GS with Miami in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Adam Warren (3-6, 2.97 ERA, 69 G in 2014)</li> </ul>. 2nd

Masahiro Tanaka proved himself to be not only Major League ready but also the unquestioned ace of the Yankees staff in the first half of 2014 – especially since C.C. Sabathia missed the majority of the season with a knee injury.

However, the club’s new Opening Day starter has found himself at the center of a great deal of injury discussion this spring after suffering a partial of his ulnar collateral ligament last summer. He missed all of August and was roughed up in two September starts.

Tanaka is expected to be limited to around 90 pitches early this season, but as long as he’s healthy, he’ll be one of the top starters in the American League.

New York’s injury concerns continue throughout the rotation. Michael Pineda was great last year when he was able to take the mound, but only healthy enough to make 13 starts after missing all of 2013. Still, he was terrific with a 1.91 ERA over his final 56.3 innings of the season with 44 strikeouts and just four walks.

Sabathia has 11 Opening Day starts under his belt, including the last five for the Yankees, but is expected to take over the third spot in the rotation at the beginning of the season. Nathan Eovaldi (who allowed just one earned run in 13.2 innings this spring) and former reliever Adam Warren (2.70 ERA in five starts this spring) will round out the rotation early.

Ivan Nova had Tommy John surgery last year, and could work himself back into the rotation once he is fully rehabilitated. Veteran left-hander Chris Capuano will begin the season on the DL, but is expected to return in May.

Next: 17. Oakland Athletics

Sep 2, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) pitches the ball against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

3rd. AL West. Oakland Athletics. 17. player. 96. Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>RHP Sonny Gray (14-10, 3.08 ERA, 33 GS in 2014)</li> <li>LHP Scott Kazmir (15-9, 3.55 ERA, 32 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Jesse Hahn (7-4, 3.07 ERA, 14 G, 12 GS with San Diego in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Kendall Graveman (0-0, 3.86 ERA, 5 G with Toronto in 2014)</li> <li>LHP Drew Pomeranz (5-4, 2.35 ERA, 20 G, 10 GS in 2014)</li> <li>*RHP Jarrod Parker (DNP in 2014. 12-8, 3.97 ERA, 32 GS in 2013)</li> </ul>

There are a lot of new faces in Oakland this year after general manager Billy Beane once again retooled the A’s roster, but one constant remains: a solid starting rotation.

Young right-hander Sonny Gray will make his first Opening Day start after posting a 3.04 ERA and winning 14 games in his first full season in the big leagues. The owner of one of the best curveball’s in the game, Gray was unhittable at times last season – especially in the month of July in which he was 5-0 with a 1.03 ERA in five starts.

Just 25 years old, Gray is a bit young to be asked to be the ace of the staff, though because of Beane’s wheeling and dealings, there aren’t many other options.

Scott Kazmir proved his bounce-back 2013 was no fluke and pitched 190.1 innings across 32 starts for the A’s last season. He’s had a terrific spring as well having posted a 1.00 ERA in four Cactus League starts, but the 31-year old lefty is better in the middle of the rotation than at the top.

Newcomers Jesse Hahn (traded from San Diego for Derek Norris) and Kendall Graveman (acquired in the trade that sent All Star third baseman Josh Donaldson to Toronto), will slide into the third and fourth spots, respectively.

Hahn didn’t make his Major League debut until June last season while Graveman began the year in Single-A, but was in the big leagues in September and has dominated (3-1, 0.36 ERA 12 hits allowed in 25.1 innings) this spring.

Lefty Drew Pomeranz, who finally capitalized on the huge potential that once made him one of the top prospects in baseball, won the role as fifth starter this spring He beat out Jesse Chavez in the process and will keep the spot warm for the first few months of the season. Jarrod Parker is hopeful to return from Tommy John surgery in June, as is A.J. Griffin.

Next: 16. Atlanta Braves

Mar 5, 2015; Lakeland, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Julio Teheran (48) throws a pitch during the first inning of the spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

16. player. 17. Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>RHP Julio Teheran (14-13, 2.89 ERA, 33 GS in 2014)</li> <li>LHP Alex Wood (11-11, 2.78 ERA, 35 G, 24 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Shelby Miller (10-9, 3.74 ERA, 32 G, 31 GS with St. Louis in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Trevor Cahill (3-12, 5.61 ERA, 32 G, 17 GS with Arizona in 2014)</li> <li>LHP Eric Stults (8-17, 4.30 ERA, 32 GS with San Diego in 2014)</li> </ul>. 3rd. NL East. Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves roster looks very different in 2015 compared to recent seasons, and expectations are modest as a result, but the rotation is in very good shape at the top.

Julio Teheran will make his second straight Opening Day start, but this year it comes following a disappointing spring (16 earned runs in 18 innings with a .321 opponent’s batting average in five starts). Still, the 24-year old is one of the top young right-handed starters in the National League.

Alex Wood started last year in the rotation, but moved back to the bullpen for the bulk of May and June once the rest of the starting staff was fully healthy. Wood was called back into a starting role and excelled in the second half, including a 1.96 ERA in July and 2.03 ERA in August. After making 31 relief appearances combined over his first two big league seasons, Wood should be a starter for good now.

Shelby Miller was acquired in an off-season trade for Jason Heyward, and will hold down the third spot in the rotation to start the season. The Braves added Trevor Cahill last week for a veteran presence and hope he can turn it around after a dreadful 2014.

Lefty Mike Minor is out until further notice with shoulder tightness, and Eric Stults is likely to take the fifth spot in the rotation until he returns. Mike Foltynewicz will start the season in Triple-A, but became the sixth starter after Wandy Rodriguez was released late last week.

Next: 15. Chicago Cubs

Mar 16, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester (34) pitches in-between innings against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

NL Central. Chicago Cubs. 15. player. 9. Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>LHP Jon Lester (16-11, 2.46 ERA, 32 GS combined with Boston and Oakland in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Jake Arrieta (10-5, 2.53 ERA, 25 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Jason Hammel (10-11, 3.47 ERA, 30 G, 29 GS combined with the Cubs and Oakland in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Kyle Hendricks (7-2, 2.46 ERA, 13 GS in 2014)</li> <li>LHP Travis Wood 8-13, 5.03 ERA, 31 GS in 2014)</li> </ul>. 3rd

Theo Epstein turned to a familiar face to be the new ace of the playoff-hopeful Chicago Cubs in 2015. After spending nine seasons with the Boston Red Sox and the last half of 2014 with the Oakland A’s, Jon Lester signed a six-year, $155 million contract with Epstein’s club.

The three-time All-Star was better than ever last year, but suffered from a tired arm this spring. In three Cactus League starts, Lester posted a 6.48 ERA allowed opponents to hit .333 in just 8.1 innings – but he’s ready to take the mound on Opening Night for his new club.

With Lester atop the rotation, Jake Arrieta can settle into the less stressful No. 2 spot. After failing to meet expectations as a big time prospect in Baltimore, the 29-year old found a home in Chicago late in the 2013 season and excelled for the Cubs in 2014.

Jason Hammel was a member of the Cubs’ rotation in 2014 but was traded to Oakland at the deadline after posting a 2.98 ERA in 108.2 innings across 17 starts. Less successful with the A’s, the 32-year old right-hander signed a two-year free agent deal to return.

At the back end of the rotation, Kyle Hendricks aims to build on a strong debut season, followed by lefty Travis Wood. One of the top hitting pitchers in the game (he’s got nine career home runs with three in each of the last two seasons), Wood hopes to bounce back on the mound following his worst performance in five big league seasons. Edwin Jackson is the sixth option and is expected to begin the season in the bullpen.

Next: 14. Kansas City Royals

Mar 11, 2015; Surprise, AZ, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Yordano Ventura (30) throws in the first inning during a spring training game against the San Diego Padres at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

AL Central. Kansas City Royals. 14. player. 7. Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>RHP Yordano Ventura (14-10, 3.20 ERA, 31 G, 30 GS in 2014)</li> <li>LHP Danny Duffy (9-12, 2.53 ERA, 31 G, 25 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Edinson Volquez (13-7, 3.04 ERA, 32 G, 31 GS with Pittsburgh in 2014)</li> <li>LHP Jason Vargas (11-10, 3.71 ERA, 30 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Jeremy Guthrie (13-11, 4.13 ERA, 32 GS in 2014)</li> </ul>. 4th

James Shields has moved on, but following an often sparkling rookie campaign, 23-year old flamethrower Yordano Ventura is well prepared to make the first Opening Day start of his young career. After a rough start to the spring (eight earned runs in his first seven innings), Ventura tossed seven no-hit innings against Seattle March 27 in his next-to-last Spring Training start.

Following Ventura in the rotation for the defending American League champs will be lefty Danny Duffy, who spent the first month of last season in the bullpen before putting together a breakout performance through the summer.

Following the 26-year old Duffy will be the veteran trio of Edinson Volquez, Jason Vargas and Jeremy Guthrie. Volquez signed a two-year deal with the Royals following his best season since he was an All-Star in 2008.

Veteran right-hander Chris Young will be an option to spot start. Former Atlanta ace Kris Medlen will begin his Royals career on the 60-day DL as he continues to recover from Tommy John surgery and may not be ready until the second half of the season.

Next: 13. Pittsburgh Pirates

Apr 2, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Francisco Liriano (47) in the dugout against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>LHP Francisco Liriano (7-10, 3.38 ERA, 29 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Gerrit Cole (11-5, 3.65 ERA, 22 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP A.J. Burnett (8-18, 4.59 ERA, 34 GS in 2014)</li> <li>LHP Jeff Locke (7-6, 3.91 ERA, 21 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Vance Worley (8-4, 2.85 ERA, 18 G, 17 GS in 2014)</li> <li>*RHP Charlie Morton (6-12, 3.72 ERA, 26 GS in 2014)</li> </ul>. 2nd. NL Central. Pittsburgh Pirates. 13. player

Veteran left-hander Francisco Liriano is scheduled to make his third career Opening Day start this season and the second in a row for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The 31-year old has been even better than expected in two seasons with the Bucs having posted a 3.02 ERA in 2013 and a 3.39 mark last year after three straight seasons of 5.09 or higher in the American League, and as a result has a new three-year, $39 million deal.

As good as Liriano is and despite his new contract, he’s not the long-term ace in Pittsburgh. That distinction goes to Gerrit Cole, the top pick in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft. In parts of two Major League seasons, the 24-year old right-hander has a record of 21-12 with a 3.45 ERA and 238 strikeouts in 255.1 innings spread across 41 starts.

Cole has been at his best in September, having posted a 2.78 ERA with eight wins in 11 starts in the final month of the regular season. With the Pirates once again a perennial playoff contender, that’s extremely important. Of course, so is staying healthy and Cole had two separate stints on the DL in 2014.

A.J. Burnett is back in town following a one-year sabbatical in Philadelphia. The 38-year old wasn’t nearly as successful with the Phillies as he had been during two years in Pittsburgh, but he started more than 30 games for the seventh consecutive season and pitched more than 200 innings for the sixth time in his 16-year big league career.

Lefty Jeff Locke earned a spot in the rotation and Vance Worley will pitch fifth until Charlie Morton returns from an early season stint on the disabled list following offseason hip surgery.

Next: 12. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Mar 6, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jered Weaver (36) reacts after returning to the dugout in the second inning during a spring training baseball game against the Colorado Rockies at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports /

Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>RHP Jered Weaver (18-9, 3.59 ERA, 34 GS in 2014)</li> <li>LHP C.J. Wilson (13-10, 4.51 ERA, 31 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Matt Shoemaker (16-4, 3.04 ERA, 27 G, 20 GS in 2014)</li> <li>LHP Hector Santiago (6-9, 3.75 ERA, 30 G, 24 GS in 2014)</li> <li>*RHP Garrett Richards (13-4, 2.61 ERA, 26 GS in 2014)</li> </ul>. 2nd. AL West. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. 12. player. 102

The Angels won the AL West and had the best record in baseball last season, but ultimately fell short of the ultimate prize. To get over the hump in 2015, they’ll need an even better performance from a solid group of starters.

Soft-tossing ace Jered Weaver will open the season Monday and will be followed by lefty C.J. Wilson, who aims to bounce back from a disappointing 2014 season. Late blooming 28-year old Matt Shoemaker is slotted third following an impressive rookie season and Hector Santiago rounds out the early season four-man rotation.

Manager Mike Scioscia wants to give 2014 breakout right-hander Garrett Richards two more rehab starts before he joins the mix in early to mid April following a knee injury he suffered in August.

"“In Garrett’s best interest, he needs to finish this out in the right sequence and not try to rush any steps or miss any steps,” Scioscia said last week. “There’s no doubt that I think his arm is showing that it’s where it needs to be. There’s a lot more in play in this game than just throwing the ball over the plate and getting your pitches to work. He needs to see how he rebounds; he needs to get into a real game where you don’t have the safety net of rolling an inning over and see how he responds when he has to throw 30 pitches in an inning. “I think there’s a lot of things that are still a little bit open-ended with Garrett. But he’s close, we’re excited about it. He had a great workout today down there.”"

The Angels traded long-time second baseman to the Dodgers for former Marlins top prospect Andrew Heaney last winter, which means he’ll be in the rotation sooner rather than later. Nick Tropeano put up a fight for a spot in the rotation during spring training before being sent to Triple-A.

Next: 11. Chicago White Sox

Sep 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (49) pitches in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Chris Sale is one of baseball’s true aces, but newcomer Jeff Samardzija is scheduled to start for the White Sox on Opening Day as the 26-year old left-hander continues his recovery from a fractured foot. He is expected to be ready to join the rotation April 12.

Sale led the American League in ERA+ (178) and strikeouts per nine innings (10.8) and finished third in the voting for the American League Cy Young Award last season (his third straight top six finish). He also made the All Star team for the third consecutive year.

Samardzija has already made two Opening Day starts for a Chicago franchise, but Monday’s will be his first for the South Siders. After seven years with the Cubs, the 30-year old right-hander was traded to Oakland. He made the All-Star team for the first time last season and posted his best overall season as a starting pitcher.

With the addition of “Shark,” there aren’t many one-two punches in the American League than the White Sox Sale and Samardzija, and lefty Jose Quintana is one of the best No. 3 starters in the league.

The only thing keeping Chicago from a top ten ranking is the four-five combination of John Danks and Hector Noesi, which while serviceable is a below average pair. However, once highly touted prospect Carlos Rodon earns his early season call-up, this group could rise.

Next: 10. Baltimore Orioles

Oct 10, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Chris Tillman (30) reacts as Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar (2) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in game one of the 2014 ALCS playoff at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: H. Darr Beiser-USA TODAY Sports /

Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>RHP Chris Tillman (13-6, 3.34 ERA, 34 GS in 2014)</li> <li>LHP Wei-Yin Chen (16-6, 3.54 ERA, 31 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Miguel Gonzalez (10-9, 3.23 ERA, 27 G, 26 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Bud Norris (15-8, 3.65 ERA, 28 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Ubaldo Jimenez (6-9, 4.81 ERA, 25 G, 22 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Kevin Gausman (7-7, 3.57 ERA, 20 GS in 2014)</li> </ul>. 1st. AL East. Baltimore Orioles. 10. player. 11

Want to know the secret that has helped the Baltimore Orioles become a perennial threat in the AL East under Buck Showalter? The starting rotation has stayed healthy.

For example, in today’s Tommy-John-go-lucky age, Showalter hasn’t had a member of the 25-man roster go undergo the procedure in his tenure.

Will the trend continue in 2015? It’s too early to say, but if Showalter can keep his starting five in tact, the ender rated unit has a chance to lead Baltimore to the division title once again.

With his third consecutive solid season in 2014, Chris Tillman has firmly established himself as the ace of the pitching staff and is set to start his second straight Opening Day for the O’s. The 26-year old hit the 200-inning mark for the second year in a row and started a league-high 34 games for the AL East champions last season, but allowed seven earned runs in 9.1 innings across two postseason starts.

Lefty Wei-Yin Chen had his best Major League season last year and will be followed by right-handers Miguel Gonzalez, Bud Norris and (probably) Ubaldo Jimenez.

Kevin Gausman had a solid season and finished on a high note with a 2.87 ERA in five September starts, but Jimenez has outpitched him this spring and is likely to earn the final spot in the rotation early.

Next: 9. San Francisco Giants

Oct 29, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Francisco Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner (right) celebrates with catcher Buster Posey after defeating the Kansas City Royals during game seven of the 2014 World Series at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>LHP Madison Bumgarner (18-10, 2.98 ERA, 33 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Matt Cain (2-7, 4.18 ERA, 15 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Tim Hudson (9-13, 3.57 ERA, 31 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Jake Peavy (7-13, 3.73 ERA, 32 GS combined with Boston and San Francisco in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Tim Lincecum (12-9, 4.74 ERA, 33 G, 26 GS in 2014)</li> </ul>. 3rd. NL West. San Francisco Giants. 9. player. 31

The defending World Champions understandably have one of the most star-studded starting rotations in the game, but after postseason hero Madison Bumgarner, there are plenty of questions.

Three-time All-Star and perennial Cy Young candidate Matt Cain didn’t pitch after July 9 last season following elbow surgery. He’s allowed seven earned runs and a .306 batting average in 11.2 innings this spring.

Tim Hudson made the All-Star team last season, but posted a 8.72 ERA in five September starts before a so-so postseason and ankle surgery in the off-season. This is expected to be the final season for the 39-year old right-hander.

Jake Peavy has had a great 13-year career as a top of the rotation starter, but has suffered though a terrible spring (1-4, 9.64 ERA, .383 opponent’s batting average in 18.2 innings). Tim Lincecum has two Cy Young Awards on his mantle, but found himself working out of the bullpen seven times last year. He’ll likely pitch fifth to begin the 2015 season.

Ryan Vogelsong (8-13, 4.00 ERA, 32 GS in 2014) will be ready to step into the rotation should any of the five regulars falter or need a stint on the DL, as is Yusmeiro Petit, who started 12 games last season.

If the group can make it through the season relatively healthy, the Giants will once again be a threat to win it all, but if not there could be trouble.

Next: 8. Cleveland Indians

Sep 21, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) pitches in the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Cleveland Indians win 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

On the other end of the name recognition spectrum, there are plenty of baseball fans that had never heard of Corey Kluber before he won the American League Cy Young Award in 2014, and there are probably still quite a few that couldn’t pick him out of a lineup.

No matter, the 28-year old right-hander is expected to cash in on his breakout performance that included an AL-best 2.35 FIP in a league-high 34 starts. Kluber pitched a workman-like 235.2 innings, three complete games, one shutout and compiled 269 strikeouts in the process. He’s a big reason Cleveland is one of the trendy picks to win the World Series this season – something the franchise hasn’t done since 1920.

Far from a one-man show however, the Indians also have Carlos Carrasco near the top of their rotation. The pair combined to produce a 1.75 ERA, 170 K’s and just 27 walks across their final 20 starts – 10 apiece.

Still, not many people know a lot about Carrasco either. After all, he started only 14 games last year and the overall unproven track record of the rotation is a slight concern.

"“That gave us probably two of the hotter pitchers in the game [last year],” manager Terry Francona said last week. “You don’t just push a button and have that happen again. That’s in there, but they have to get on a roll and then stay on the roll, which I think they can.”"

In addition to Kluber and Carrasco, Cleveland hopes Trevor Bauer can build upon his first full big league season and capitalize upon the potential that made him the third overall pick in the 2011 First-Year Player Draft. Lefty T.J. House earned the fourth spot in the rotation following a solid rookie campaign and Zach McAllister rounds out the staff.

Next: 7. New York Mets

Mar 6, 2015; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Matt Harvey (33) throws against against the Detroit Tigers during a spring training baseball game at Tradition Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports /

player. 3. Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>RHP Bartolo Colon (15-13, 4.09 ERA, 31 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Matt Harvey (DNP in 2014. 9-5, 2.27 ERA, 26 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Jacob deGrom (9-6, 2.69 ERA, 22 GS in 2014)</li> <li>LHP Jon Niese (9-11, 3.40 ERA, 30 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Dillon Gee (7-8, 4.00 ERA, 22 GS in 2014)</li> </ul>. 2nd. NL East. New York Mets. 7

They may have one of the least exciting Opening Day starters in Major League Baseball, but the New York Mets have a very solid rotation. If only Zack Wheeler weren’t going to be out of the picture following Tommy John surgery, this unit would probably rank among the top three in the game.

Bartolo Colon will be 41 years old when he climbs onto the mound Monday afternoon in Washington. He’ll be the oldest Opening Day starter in Mets history and the oldest since Randy Johnson in 2006. Colon, who won the American League Cy Young Award in 2005, will be making his seventh Opening Day start.

As Anthony DiComo of MLB.com points out:

"Of the 26 players who took part in the Opening Day 2000 game between the Indians and Orioles, 25 are retired. One is in the Hall of Fame. A few others are on the ballot. Several are coaches. Many have children who are now adults. One has a son fighting for a big league roster spot. Then there is Bartolo Colon, who walked six batters that day in a win over Baltimore, also striking out six over five innings of one-run ball…"

Of course, Colon isn’t the reason the Mets are ranked so high. Matt Harvey hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since 2013 following Tommy John surgery, but he’s dominated this spring (1.19 ERA with 21 strikeouts and one walk in 22.2 innings) and is a legitimate Cy Young candidate after finishing fourth in the voting two years ago.

The 26-year old has yet to pitch a complete season in the big leagues, but he has a career ERA of 2.39 in 36 starts and led the NL with a 2.01 FIP and 0.4 home runs per nine innings in 2013.

Then there’s Jason deGrom who stepped into the rotation for the first time last season and emerged with the NL Rookie of the Year Award. Lefty Jon Niese has quietly gotten better in each of his seven Major League seasons and will hold down the fourth spot in the rotation.

Veteran Dillon Gee will bring up the rear, though he’ll be pushed by a couple of youngsters. Rafael Montero nearly won a spot in the starting rotation during spring training, and Noah Syndergaard is one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, so this group could even improve on this lofty ranking.

Next: 6. San Diego Padres

Feb 22, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher James Shields (33) and San Diego Padres catcher Derek Norris (3) talk in the bullpen during camp at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

player. 127. Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>RHP James Shields (14-8, 3.21 ERA, 34 GS with Kansas City in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Tyson Ross (13-14, 2.81 ERA, 31 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Andrew Cashner (5-7, 2.55 ERA, 19 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Ian Kennedy (13-13, 3.63 ERA, 33 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Brandon Morrow (1-3, 5.67 ERA, 13 G, 6 GS with Toronto in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Odrisamer Despaigne (4-7, 3.36 ERA, 16 GS in 2014)</li> </ul>. 2nd. NL West. San Diego Padres. 6

After spending the last two seasons atop the Kansas City Royals starting rotation and with four Opening Day starts earlier in his career with Tampa Bay, James Shields will open the season for the San Diego Padres Monday against

He’s been called “Big Game James” more because it rhymes than for his actual performance in the clutch, but Shields could certainly be called “33-Game James” after making 33 or more starts in each of the past seven seasons (and 31 starts in 2007).

With eight straight years of 200 innings or more, the 33-year old should prove a solid investment for the Padres, who inked him to a four-year, $75 million free agent contract this winter.

In his first full season in a starting rotation, Tyson Ross was very impressive with 195 strikeouts in 195 innings and made the All-Star team for the first time. The 27-year old suffered from poor run support, but with all the moves the Padres made over the off-season (including the additions of Justin Upton, Matt Kemp and Wil Myers) that shouldn’t be a major issue in 2015.

Third starter Andrew Cashner was great when he wasn’t on the disabled list in 2014, and was solid this spring (2.45 ERA in 18.1 innings across five starts) as well. Ian Kennedy set a career high with 207 strikeouts last season and should be one of the top fourth starters in the National League.

Newcomer Brandon Morrow is expected man the back end of the rotation as long as he can stay healthy, though Odrisamer Despaigne is a solid sixth option.

Next: 5. Detroit Tigers

Oct 5, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher David Price (14) pitches against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning in game three of the 2014 ALDS baseball playoff game at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

AL Central. Detroit Tigers. 5. player. 63. Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>LHP David Price (15-12, 3.26, 34 GS combined with Tampa Bay and Detroit in 2014)</li> <li>*RHP Justin Verlander (15-12, 4.54 ERA, 32 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Anibal Sanchez (8-5, 3.43 ERA, 22 G, 21 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Alfredo Simon (15-10, 3.44 ERA, 32 GS with Cincinnati in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Shane Greene (5-4, 3.78 ERA, 15 G, 14 GS with the Yankees in 2014)</li> </ul>. 1st

The Detroit Tigers have a new Opening Day starter scheduled for 2015: David Price, who joined the club via trade following seven seasons, four All-Star selections and an American League Cy Young Award with the Tampa Bay Rays.

It may be the only Opening Day start for the 29-year old left-hander in a Tigers uniform if the team can’t lock him up to a contract extension before he hits the free agent market following the season.

He might have earned the nod anyway, but one reason Price will start the season atop the rotation is that Justin Verlander may begin the year on the disabled list after leaving his March 27 start with a triceps strain. Another is that Max Scherzer is now pitching for the Washington Nationals.

Luckily for Detroit, Verlander is not expected to miss any extended time. The 2011 American League MVP and Cy Young Award winner had his worst season last year (including an American League high 104 earned runs) since posting a 4.84 ERA and losing 17 games in 2008, but he still managed to start more than 30 games and pitch more than 200 innings for the eighth consecutive season.

Anibal Sanchez will be back to man the middle of the rotation. He’ll be joined by off-season additions Alfredo Simon (an All-Star for Cincinnati last season) and Shane Greene. Lefty Kyle Lobstein is the most likely option if the Tigers need a spot start while Verlander is on the shelf.

Next: 4. Seattle Mariners

Feb 21, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) covers first base during camp at Peoria Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

Seattle Mariners. 4. player. 62. Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>RHP Felix Hernandez (15-6, 2.14 ERA, 34 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Hisashi Iwakuma (15-9, 3.52 ERA, 28 GS in 2014)</li> <li>LHP James Paxton (6-4, 3.04 ERA, 13 GS in 2014)</li> <li>LHP J.A. Happ (11-11, 4.22 ERA, 30 G, 26 GS with Toronto in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Taijuan Walker (2-3, 2.81 ERA, 8 G, 5 GS in 2014)</li> </ul>. 1st. AL West

Simply put, led by 2014 Cy Young Award runner-up (and 2010 winner) Felix Hernandez, the Seattle Mariners have the top starting rotation in the American League.

Hernandez posted a career low 2.14 ERA in 2014 and was as dependable as ever. The 28-year old pitched 236 innings (the third most of his career and the seventh straight season he logged more than 200) and tied a career high with 34 starts (the ninth straight year he’s topped 30).

No. 2 starter Hisashi Iwakuma wasn’t quite as good last season as he was in 2013 (when he made the All-Star team and finished third in Cy Young voting), but the 33-year old was solid in his third year in the Major Leagues.

James Paxton struggled this spring (7.84 ERA in three Cactus League starts) after getting a late start due to a bruised left forearm, and dealt with shoulder issues that sidelined him for a large portion of 2014, but the 26-year old southpaw is ready to start the season third in the Seattle rotation.

The club traded outfielder Michael Saunders for J.A. Happ over the off-season and the 32-year old left-hander will fit nicely in the fourth spot in the rotation. Taijuan Walker won the fifth spot following a dominant spring performance (4-0, 0.67 ERA in 27 innings across seven starts) and is primed for his first full big league season, and the young right-hander gives the Mariners a very narrow edge over Detroit in our rankings.

For insurance, the Mariners swapped Erasmo Ramirez for Mike Montgomery during spring training and the l25-year old lefty may be the sixth starter when necessary this season.

Next: 3. St. Louis Cardinals

Oct 16, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Adam Wainwright (50) celebrates after the final out against the San Francisco Giants in the seventh inning of game five of the 2014 NLCS playoff at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

32. Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>RHP Adam Wainwright (20-9, 2.38 ERA, 32 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Lance Lynn (15-10, 2.74 ERA, 33 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP John Lackey (14-10, 3.82 ERA, 31 GS combined with Boston and St. Louis in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Michael Wacha (5-6, 3.20 ERA, 19 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Carlos Martinez (2-4, 4.03 ERA, 57 G, 7 GS in 2014)</li> </ul>. 1st. NL Central. St. Louis Cardinals. 3. player

The St. Louis Cardinals are so stocked with pitching talent they didn’t blink at the opportunity to acquire outfielder Jason Heyward for budding star Shelby Miller this winter.

Staff ace Adam Wainwright won 20 games last season including five complete games and a National League best three shutouts. His 18 complete games since 2010 are more than any active Major League pitcher. The 33-year old finished third in Cy Young voting and despite elbow surgery in October is primed for his fourth Opening Day in eight big league seasons.

No. 2 starter Lance Lynn was nearly as good last season as he posted a career best 2.74 ERA in 203.2 innings. The 6-foot-5, 240-pound right-hander has all the tools of a top of the rotation starter without the pressure that accompanies it thanks to Wainwright’s presence.

John Lackey, who made ten starts for the Cardinals (3-3, 4.30 ERA) last year after beginning the season with the Boston Red Sox, offers a solid option in the third slot followed by one of the best young right-handers in the National League, Michael Wacha.

The 2013 NLCS MVP was limited to 19 starts last season because of a right-shoulder injury and posted a disappointing 5.40 ERA over four starts after returning in September. However, Wacha was great this spring (1.77 ERA in 20.1 innings) and appears ready to put together a complete big league season.

Moving Miller to Atlanta opened a spot in the starting rotation for Carlos Martinez, who worked 50 games out of the bullpen last year. The hard-throwing 23-year old has often drawn comparisons to Pedro Martinez, and though he has a 4.28 career ERA in 117 big league innings, his upside isn’t far removed from the Hall of Famer.

Next: 2. Los Angeles Dodgers

Sep 24, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) during the game against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers defeated the Giants 9-1 to clinch the NL West Division Championship. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

player. 71. Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>LHP Clayton Kershaw (21-6, 1.77 ERA, 27 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Zack Greinke (17-8, 2.81 ERA, 32 GS in 2014)</li> <li>*LHP Hyun-jin Ryu (14-7, 3.38 ERA, 26 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Brandon McCarthy (10-15, 4.05 ERA, 32 GS combined with Arizona and the New York Yankees)</li> <li>LHP Brett Anderson (1-3, 2.91 ERA, 8 GS with Colorado in 2014)</li> </ul>. 1st. NL West. Los Angeles Dodgers. 2

Even if they didn’t have the best pitcher in baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers would have a top ten starting rotation, but with three-time National League Cy Young Award winner and reigning NL MVP Clayton Kershaw at the top of the rotation, the group is one of the very best in the Majors.

Kershaw started only 27 games last season but won a league leading 21 of them and tossed a league-high six complete games and had two shutouts. In addition to winning the ERA title, the southpaw also led the league in ERA+ (197), FIP (1.81), WHIP (.0857), K/9 (10.8) and K/BB (7.71). It was simply one of the greatest pitching seasons of this generation by a seven-year veteran that just turned 27 years old and is already a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame.

Of course, Kershaw isn’t the only Cy Young winner on staff as Zack Greinke is the perhaps the best No. 2 starter in baseball. The 2009 winner finished seventh in voting following a 2014 season in which he also won his first Gold Glove.

Following the best one-two punch in baseball is Hyun-jin Ryu – once he’s back in the rotation, that is. The lefty is expected to miss the first two weeks of the season with an inflamed shoulder similar to ailment that cost him a few starts last season.

Brandon McCarthy got better and better throughout the course of the 2014 season and was a completely different pitcher in 14 starts with the Yankees (7-5, 2.89 ERA in 90.1 innings) than he was with Arizona in his first 18 (7-5, 5.01 ERA in 109.2 innings).

He’ll handle the fourth spot in the rotation this season, followed by Brett Anderson who pitched great in Colorado last season before undergoing a season-ending back surgery in August. If the lefty can stay healthy, he could be a major factor in a possible Dodgers’ World Series run.

Prior to the surgery, Anderson was having his best year since 2010. He got off to a nice start this spring with a 2.13 ERA in 12.2 innings spread across four Cactus League starts.

Next: 1. Washington Nationals

Mar 5, 2015; Melbourne, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31) throws a pitch during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the New York Mets at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Projected Starting Rotation: <ul> <li>RHP Max Scherzer (18-5, 3.15 ERA, 33 GS with Detroit in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Jordan Zimmermann (14-5, 2.66 ERA, 32 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Stephen Strasburg (14-11, 3.14 ERA, 34 GS in 2014)</li> <li>LHP Gio Gonzalez (10-10, 3.57 ERA, 27 GS in 2014)</li> <li>RHP Doug Fister (16-6, 2.41 ERA, 25 GS in 2014)</li> </ul>. 1st. NL East. Washington Nationals. 1. player. 90

What was one of the best starting rotations in Major League Baseball became the best group of starters in the game when 2013 American League Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer signed a seven-year free agent contract with the Washington Nationals in January.

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