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MLB All-Star Game: All-time team

By Dave Stevenson

Jul 27, 2014; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Plaques all installed in the museum for viewing after the class of 2014 national baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at National Baseball Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2014; Cooperstown, NY, USA; Plaques all installed in the museum for viewing after the class of 2014 national baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at National Baseball Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Brad Mangin/MLB Photos via Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Brad Mangin/MLB Photos via Getty Images /

Starting Pitchers

Pedro Martinez had arguably the most dominant three-year stretch that a pitcher has ever had, putting up historically great numbers in the heart of an era that was defined by tons of offense. Martinez was fearless as a pitcher and never gave in to hitters. Combined with his lethal arsenal that included a 20 mile per hour drop from his fastball to his changeup, Martinez is easily one of the top five starting pitchers of all-time.

Roger Clemens is a very controversial figure and for good reason. He likely will never make the Hall of Fame because he burned every bridge that he crossed and his name will forever be tied to PEDs. That said, he’s the career leader in WAR for starting pitchers. Clemens in his prime was one of the most dominant pitchers ever. His awful attitude made him even more feared on the mound, as a fastball could be coming to the batter’s head if the hitter simply looked at Clemens the wrong way.

Randy Johnson is the only pitcher who might have been more feared than Martinez and Clemens. Not only was he as effectively wild as any starting pitcher ever, he was one scary looking guy with his mullet, his imposing 6’10” frame, and his glare of disdain at hitters. Johnson’s slider consistently made hitters dive to the ground only to see the pitch sneak into the strike zone. His career rate of 10.6 strikeouts per 9 innings is still a record for starting pitchers and only Nolan Ryan struck out more batters than Johnson. Give me The Big Unit once he figured everything out over any other lefty ever.

Christy Mathewson was not as beloved as Cy Young, but he was arguably a better pitcher. He owns the 10th lowest FIP of all qualified starting pitchers and had an arsenal that featured pinpoint control and a screwball that made hitters dizzy.

Sandy Koufax had a short career, sadly. However, he accomplished enough in his brief career to ensure himself a spot in Cooperstown and on this team. Koufax struggled with arthritis in his later years, to the point where batters basically knew what he was going to be throwing. He still dominated them, leading the league in ERA in each of his last five seasons while winning three Cy Young Awards and an MVP.

Next: Relievers

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