There are only two significant changes in our updated pitching rankings -- young starters Matt Moore of the Rays and Cory Luebke of the Padres jumped 18 and 24 spots, respectively.

Moore was ranked by Baseball America as the game's No. 2 prospect entering 2012, and all he has done in his minor-league career is post a 2.64 ERA and a ridiculous 700 strikeouts in 497 1/3 innings (12.7 Ks per nine innings). He fanned 15 in 9 1/3 innings in three appearances with the Rays as a rookie in 2011, and, assuming he remains a part of Tampa's deep starting rotation when the regular season starts, he should be considered a No. 4 fantasy starter.

Luebke, meanwhile, was a reliever in 29 of 46 games with the Padres as a rookie in 2011. Once he was moved into the rotation, he had a 3.31 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and struck out 9.9 batters per nine innings. He's a low-end No. 4 starter in a 12-team league, with his value aided by the Petco Park factor.

Without further delay, our starting pitcher and closer rankings. We'll be back later in the week with our updated top 100 overall. We encourage you to wait with bated breath.

STARTING PITCHERS
Rank, player, team IP, W-L, ERA, BB, K
1. Justin Verlander, Tigers 251, 24-5, 2.40, 57, 250
2. Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers 233.1, 21-5, 2.28, 54, 248
3. Roy Halladay, Phillies 233.2, 19-6, 2.35, 35, 220
4. Cliff Lee, Phillies 232.2, 17-8, 2.40, 42, 238
5. Tim Lincecum, Giants 217, 13-14, 2.74, 86, 220
6. Jered Weaver, Angels 235.2, 18-8, 2.41, 56, 198
7. CC Sabathia, Yankees 237.1, 19-8, 3.00, 61, 230
8. Felix Hernandez, Mariners 233.2, 14-14, 3.47, 67, 222
9. Cole Hamels, Phillies 216, 14-9, 2.79, 44, 194
10. Ian Kennedy, Diamondbacks 222, 21-4, 2.88, 55, 198
11. David Price, Rays 224.1, 12-13, 3.49, 63, 218
12. Dan Haren, Diamondbacks 238.1, 16-10, 3.17, 33, 192
13. James Shields, Rays 249.1, 16-12, 2.82, 65, 225
14. Jon Lester, Red Sox 191.2, 15-9, 3.47, 75, 182
15. Stephen Strasburg, Nationals 24, 1-1, 1.50, 2, 24
16. Zack Greinke, Brewers 171.2, 16-6, 3.83, 45, 201
17. C.J. Wilson, Angels 223.1, 16-7, 2.94, 74, 206
18. Yovani Gallardo, Brewers 207.1, 17-10, 3.52, 59, 207
19. Madison Bumgarner, Giants 204.2, 13-13, 3.21, 46, 191
20. Tommy Hanson, Braves 130, 11-7, 3.60, 46, 142
21. Michael Pineda, Yankees 171, 9-10, 3.74, 55, 173
22. Josh Beckett, Red Sox 193, 13-7, 2.89, 52, 175
23. Chris Carpenter, Cardinals 237.1, 11-9, 3.45, 55, 191
24. Matt Cain, Giants 222.1, 12-11, 2.88, 63, 179
25. Josh Johnson, Marlins 60.1, 3-1, 1.64, 20, 56
26. Ricky Romero, Blue Jays 225, 15-11, 2.92, 80, 178
27. Adam Wainwright, Cardinals DNP
28. Gio Gonzalez, Nationals 202, 16-12, 3.12, 91, 197
29. Mat Latos, Reds 194.1, 9-14, 3.47, 62, 185
30. x-Yu Darvish, Rangers 232, 18-6, 1.44, 36, 276
31. Daniel Hudson, Diamondbacks 222, 16-12, 3.49, 50, 169
32. Jeremy Hellickson, Rays 189, 13-10, 2.95, 72, 117
33. Ubaldo Jimenez, Indians 188.1, 10-13, 4.68, 78, 180
34. Justin Masterson, Indians 216, 12-10, 3.21, 65, 158
35. Tim Hudson, Braves 215, 16-10, 3.22, 56, 158
36. Matt Garza, Cubs 198, 10-10, 3.32, 63, 197
37. Brandon Beachy, Braves 141.2, 7-3, 3.68, 46, 169
38. Clay Buchholz, Red Sox 82.2, 6-3, 3.48, 31, 60
39. Ervin Santana, Angels 228.2, 11-12, 3.38, 72, 178
40. Matt Moore, Rays 10, 1-0, 0.90, 3, 8
41. Jair Jurrjens, Braves 152, 13-6, 2.96, 44, 90
42. Trevor Cahill, Diamondbacks 207.2, 12-14, 4.16, 82, 147
43. Max Scherzer, Tigers 195, 15-9, 4.43, 56, 174
44. Brandon Morrow, Blue Jays 179.1, 11-11, 4.72, 69, 203
45. Jaime Garcia, Cardinals 194.2, 13-7, 3.56, 50, 156
46. Derek Holland, Rangers 198, 16-5, 3.95, 67, 162
47. Cory Luebke, Padres 139.2, 6-10, 3.29, 44, 154
48. Johnny Cueto, Reds 156, 9-5, 2.31, 47, 104
49. Doug Fister, Tigers 216.1, 11-13, 2.83, 37, 146
50. Anibal Sanchez, Marlins 196.1, 8-9, 3.67, 64, 202
51. Neftali Feliz, Rangers 62.1, 2-3, 2.74, 30, 54
52. Shaun Marcum, Brewers 200.2, 13-7, 3.56, 50, 156
53. Colby Lewis, Rangers 200.1, 14-10, 4.40, 56, 169
54. Francisco Liriano, Twins 134.1, 9-10, 5.09, 75, 112
55. Chad Billingsley, Dodgers 188, 11-11, 4.21, 84, 152
56. Wandy Rodriguez, Astros 191, 11-11, 3.49, 69, 166
57. Jordan Zimmermann, Nationals 161.1, 8-11, 3.18, 31, 124
58. Vance Worley, Phillies 131.2, 11-3, 3.01, 46, 119
59. Jhoulys Chacin, Rockies 194, 11-14, 3.62, 87, 150
60. Ivan Nova, Yankees 165.1, 16-4, 3.70, 57, 98
61. Ryan Vogelsong, Giants 179.2, 13-7, 2.71, 61, 139
62. Hiroki Kuroda, Yankees 202, 13-16, 3.07, 49, 161
63. Scott Baker, Twins 134.2, 8-6, 3.14, 32, 123
64. John Danks, White Sox 170.1, 8-12, 4.33, 46, 135
65. Ryan Dempster, Cubs 202.1, 10-14, 3.80, 82, 191
66. Mike Minor, Braves 82.2, 5-3, 4.14, 30, 77
67. Jonathan Sanchez, Royals 101.1, 4-7, 4.26, 66, 102
68. Phil Hughes, Yankees 74.2, 5-5, 5.79, 27, 47
69. Ricky Nolasco, Marlins 206, 10-12, 4.67, 44, 148
70. Gavin Floyd, White Sox 193.2, 12-13, 4.37, 45, 151
71. Matt Harrison, Rangers 185.2, 14-9, 3.39, 57, 126
72. Bud Norris, Astros 186, 6-11, 3.77, 70, 176
73. Josh Collmenter, Diamondbacks 154.1, 10-10, 3.38, 28, 100
74. Johan Santana, Mets 199, 11-9, 2.98, 55, 144
75. Chris Sale, White Sox 71, 2-2, 2.79, 27, 79
76. Mark Buehrle, Marlins 205.1, 13-9, 3.59, 45, 109
77. Ted Lilly, Dodgers 192.2, 12-14, 3.97, 51, 158
78. Brandon McCarthy, Athletics 170.2, 9-9, 3.32, 25, 123
79. Tim Stauffer, Padres 185.2, 9-12, 3.73, 53, 128
80. Roy Oswalt, free agent 139, 9-10, 3.69, 33, 93
x-Stats with the Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan

CLOSERS
Rank, player, team IP, W-L, ERA, K, SV-Opp
1. Craig Kimbrel, Braves 77, 4-3, 2.10, 127, 46-54
2. Jonathan Papelbon, Phillies 64.1, 4-1, 2.94, 87, 31-34
3. John Axford, Brewers 73.2, 2-2, 1.95, 86, 46-48
4. Mariano Rivera, Yankees 61.1, 1-2, 1.91, 60, 44-49
5. Drew Storen, Nationals 75.1, 6-3, 2.75, 74, 43-48
6. Brian Wilson, Giants 55, 6-4, 3.11, 54, 36-41
7. Heath Bell, Marlins 62.2, 3-4, 2.44, 51, 43-48
8. J.J. Putz, Diamondbacks 58, 2-2, 2.17, 61, 45-49
9. Jose Valverde, Tigers 72.1, 2-4, 2.24, 69, 49-49
10. Joakim Soria, Royals 60.1, 5-5, 4.03, 60, 28-35
11. Ryan Madson, Reds 60.2, 4-2, 2.37, 62, 32-34
12. Joel Hanrahan, Pirates 68.2, 1-4, 1.83, 61, 40-44
13. Andrew Bailey, Red Sox 41.2, 0-4, 3.24, 41, 24-26
14. Jason Motte, Cardinals 68, 5-2, 2.25, 63, 9-13
15. Sergio Santos, Blue Jays 63.1, 4-5, 3.55, 92, 30-36
16. Carlos Marmol, Cubs 74, 2-6, 4.01, 99, 34-44
17. Jordan Walden, Angels 60.1, 5-5, 2.98, 26, 67, 32-42
18. Joe Nathan, Rangers 44.2, 2-1, 4.84, 43, 14-17
19. Chris Perez, Indians 59.2, 4-7, 3.32, 39, 36-40
20. Huston Street, Padres 58.1, 1-4, 3.86, 55, 29-33

UPDATED RANKINGS: Batters

EARLY POSITION RANKINGS:  Catchers, first basemen, second basemen, shortstops, third basemen, designated hitters, outfielders, starting pitchers, closers, top 100 overall

We don't know what to expect from Yu Darvish, the Japanese pitcher the Rangers signed to a six-year, $60 million contract -- after submitting a $51.7 posting bid to the Nippon Ham Fighters.

Will Darvish be worth anywhere close to $112 million? Probably not.

Will he be a very good mid-round selection in fantasy? Probably.

In 2011, Darvish was 18-6 with a 1.44 ERA. In 232 innings, he struck out 276, walked only 36 and had a 0.83 WHIP.

In his five-year career in Japan, Darvish was a combined 76-28 with a 1.72 ERA. In 1,024 1/3 innings, he struck out 1,083 (9.5 Ks per nine innings), allowed just 691 hits, walked 221 and had a 0.89 WHIP. He posted a 1.88 ERA or better in all five seasons.

Granted, it wasn't Major League Baseball. But you should be confident Darvish will be an effective third starter in a 12-team league.

We have him ranked 30th below, but would understand if some owners preferred Darvish over the players ranked 22nd through 29th.

On to our first set of pitcher rankings heading into spring training ...

Note: All players are ranked at the positions at which they are expected to spend the most time in 2012, not all positions at which they are eligible. ... Stats are from 2011.

Rank, player, team IP, W-L, ERA, BB, K
1. Justin Verlander, Tigers 251, 24-5, 2.40, 57, 250
2. Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers 233.1, 21-5, 2.28, 54, 248
3. Roy Halladay, Phillies 233.2, 19-6, 2.35, 35, 220
4. Cliff Lee, Phillies 232.2, 17-8, 2.40, 42, 238
5. Tim Lincecum, Giants 217, 13-14, 2.74, 86, 220
6. Jered Weaver, Angels 235.2, 18-8, 2.41, 56, 198
7. CC Sabathia, Yankees 237.1, 19-8, 3.00, 61, 230
8. Felix Hernandez, Mariners 233.2, 14-14, 3.47, 67, 222
9. Cole Hamels, Phillies 216, 14-9, 2.79, 44, 194
10. Ian Kennedy, Diamondbacks 222, 21-4, 2.88, 55, 198
11. David Price, Rays 224.1, 12-13, 3.49, 63, 218
12. Dan Haren, Diamondbacks 238.1, 16-10, 3.17, 33, 192
13. James Shields, Rays 249.1, 16-12, 2.82, 65, 225
14. Jon Lester, Red Sox 191.2, 15-9, 3.47, 75, 182
15. Stephen Strasburg, Nationals 24, 1-1, 1.50, 2, 24
16. Zack Greinke, Brewers 171.2, 16-6, 3.83, 45, 201
17. C.J. Wilson, Angels 223.1, 16-7, 2.94, 74, 206
18. Yovani Gallardo, Brewers 207.1, 17-10, 3.52, 59, 207
19. Madison Bumgarner, Giants 204.2, 13-13, 3.21, 46, 191
20. Tommy Hanson, Braves 130, 11-7, 3.60, 46, 142
21. Michael Pineda, Yankees 171, 9-10, 3.74, 55, 173
22. Josh Beckett, Red Sox 193, 13-7, 2.89, 52, 175
23. Chris Carpenter, Cardinals 237.1, 11-9, 3.45, 55, 191
24. Matt Cain, Giants 222.1, 12-11, 2.88, 63, 179
25. Josh Johnson, Marlins 60.1, 3-1, 1.64, 20, 56
26. Ricky Romero, Blue Jays 225, 15-11, 2.92, 80, 178
27. Adam Wainwright, Cardinals DNP
28. Gio Gonzalez, Nationals 202, 16-12, 3.12, 91, 197
29. Mat Latos, Reds 194.1, 9-14, 3.47, 62, 185
30. x-Yu Darvish, Rangers 232, 18-6, 1.44, 36, 276
31. Daniel Hudson, Diamondbacks 222, 16-12, 3.49, 50, 169
32. Jeremy Hellickson, Rays 189, 13-10, 2.95, 72, 117
33. Ubaldo Jimenez, Indians 188.1, 10-13, 4.68, 78, 180
34. Justin Masterson, Indians 216, 12-10, 3.21, 65, 158
35. Tim Hudson, Braves 215, 16-10, 3.22, 56, 158
36. Matt Garza, Cubs 198, 10-10, 3.32, 63, 197
37. Brandon Beachy, Braves 141.2, 7-3, 3.68, 46, 169
38. Clay Buchholz, Red Sox 82.2, 6-3, 3.48, 31, 60
39. Ervin Santana, Angels 228.2, 11-12, 3.38, 72, 178
40. Jair Jurrjens, Braves 152, 13-6, 2.96, 44, 90
41. Trevor Cahill, Diamondbacks 207.2, 12-14, 4.16, 82, 147
42. Max Scherzer, Tigers 195, 15-9, 4.43, 56, 174
43. Brandon Morrow, Blue Jays 179.1, 11-11, 4.72, 69, 203
44. Jaime Garcia, Cardinals 194.2, 13-7, 3.56, 50, 156
45. Derek Holland, Rangers 198, 16-5, 3.95, 67, 162
46. Johnny Cueto, Reds 156, 9-5, 2.31, 47, 104
47. Doug Fister, Tigers 216.1, 11-13, 2.83, 37, 146
48. Anibal Sanchez, Marlins 196.1, 8-9, 3.67, 64, 202
49. Neftali Feliz, Rangers 62.1, 2-3, 2.74, 30, 54
50. Shaun Marcum, Brewers 200.2, 13-7, 3.56, 50, 156
51. Colby Lewis, Rangers 200.1, 14-10, 4.40, 56, 169
52. Francisco Liriano, Twins 134.1, 9-10, 5.09, 75, 112
53. Chad Billingsley, Dodgers 188, 11-11, 4.21, 84, 152
54. Wandy Rodriguez, Astros 191, 11-11, 3.49, 69, 166
55. Jordan Zimmermann, Nationals 161.1, 8-11, 3.18, 31, 124
56. Vance Worley, Phillies 131.2, 11-3, 3.01, 46, 119
57. Jhoulys Chacin, Rockies 194, 11-14, 3.62, 87, 150
58. Matt Moore, Rays 10, 1-0, 0.90, 3, 8
59. Ivan Nova, Yankees 165.1, 16-4, 3.70, 57, 98
60. Ryan Vogelsong, Giants 179.2, 13-7, 2.71, 61, 139
61. Hiroki Kuroda, Yankees 202, 13-16, 3.07, 49, 161
62. Scott Baker, Twins 134.2, 8-6, 3.14, 32, 123
63. John Danks, White Sox 170.1, 8-12, 4.33, 46, 135
64. Roy Oswalt, free agent 139, 9-10, 3.69, 33, 93
65. Ryan Dempster, Cubs 202.1, 10-14, 3.80, 82, 191
66. Mike Minor, Braves 82.2, 5-3, 4.14, 30, 77
67. Jonathan Sanchez, Royals 101.1, 4-7, 4.26, 66, 102
68. Phil Hughes, Yankees 74.2, 5-5, 5.79, 27, 47
69. Ricky Nolasco, Marlins 206, 10-12, 4.67, 44, 148
70. Gavin Floyd, White Sox 193.2, 12-13, 4.37, 45, 151
71. Cory Luebke, Padres 139.2, 6-10, 3.29, 44, 154
72. Matt Harrison, Rangers 185.2, 14-9, 3.39, 57, 126
73. Bud Norris, Astros 186, 6-11, 3.77, 70, 176
74. Josh Collmenter, Diamondbacks 154.1, 10-10, 3.38, 28, 100
75. Johan Santana, Mets 199, 11-9, 2.98, 55, 144
76. Chris Sale, White Sox 71, 2-2, 2.79, 27, 79
77. Mark Buehrle, Marlins 205.1, 13-9, 3.59, 45, 109
78. Ted Lilly, Dodgers 192.2, 12-14, 3.97, 51, 158
79. Brandon McCarthy, Athletics 170.2, 9-9, 3.32, 25, 123
80. Tim Stauffer, Padres 185.2, 9-12, 3.73, 53, 128
x-Stats with the Nippon Ham Fighters in Japan

Last five out: Alexi Ogando, Rangers; Jake Peavy, White Sox; Mike Leake, Reds; Homer Bailey, Reds; Jeff Niemann, Rays.

Eligibility notes: Neftali Feliz is making the move from Texas' bullpen to its starting rotation. If you are in a deep league in which you start multiple relievers, take advantage of Feliz's eligibility as a reliever. ... The same goes for the Rays' Matt Moore, who started once and was a reliever in two games as a rookie in 2011.

Key stats:  You have to admire the consistency of Halladay, who will turn 35 in May. In his last four seasons, he is a combined 77-37 with 853 strikeouts. He has six straight seasons with at least 16 wins, and he has recorded 206 or more Ks with an ERA of 2.79 or better in each of the last four campaigns.

PREVIOUS: Catchers, first basemen, second basemen, shortstops, third basemen, designated hitters, outfielders

NEXT: Closers

When Adam Wainwright went down with a season-ending injury this spring, the elite starting pitching ranks took a hit, as did the hopes of any fantasy owner who prefers to load up on starting pitching early.

We have only three pitchers ranked in the top 26 overall — Roy Halladay, Felix Hernandez and Tim Lincecum. Boston’s Jon Lester is No. 27 in our overall top 100, and Detroit’s Justin Verlander is two spots back.

The position is deep, however — we have 21 starting pitchers in our top 100, and Oakland’s Trevor Cahill narrowly missed making it 22.

We’ll address when to draft your first starting pitcher in a column that will appear in Friday’s print editions and online. Until then, our eighth position breakdown of 2011:

Rank, player: IP-W-L-ERA-K
1. Roy Halladay, Phi: 250.2-21-10-2.44-219
2. Felix Hernandez, Sea: 249.2-13-12-2.27-232
3. Tim Lincecum, SF: 212.1-16-10-3.43-231
4. Jon Lester, Bos: 208-19-9-3.25-225
5. Justin Verlander, Det: 224.1-18-9-3.37-219
6. Cliff Lee, Phi: 212.1-12-9-3.18-185
7. CC Sabathia, NYY: 237.2-21-7-3.18-197
8. Ubaldo Jimenez, Col: 221.2-19-8-2.88-214
9. David Price, TB: 208.2-19-6-2.72-188
10. Josh Johnson, Fla: 183.2-11-6-2.30-186
11. Jered Weaver, LAA: 224.1-13-12-3.01-233
12. Roy Oswalt, Phi: 211.2-13-13-2.76-193
13. Mat Latos, SD: 184.2-14-10-2.92-189
14. Cole Hamels, Phi: 208.2-12-11-3.06-211
15. Clayton Kershaw, LAD: 204.1-13-10-2.91-212
16. Chris Carpenter, StL: 235-16-9-3.22-179
17. Clay Buchholz, Bos: 173.2-17-7-2.33-120
18. Francisco Liriano, Min: 191.2-14-10-3.62-201
19. Matt Cain, SF: 223.1-13-11-3.14-177
20. Yovani Gallardo, Mil: 185-14-7-3.84-200
21. Tommy Hanson, Atl: 202.2-10-11-3.33-173
22. Dan Haren, LAA: 235-12-12-3.91-216
23. Trevor Cahill, Oak: 196.2-18-8-2.97-118
24. Phil Hughes, NYY: 176.1-18-8-4.19-146
25. Max Scherzer, Det: 195.2-12-11-3.50-184
26. Chad Billingsley, LAD: 191.2-12-11-3.57-171
27. Josh Beckett, Bos: 127.2-6-6-5.78-116
28. Tim Hudson, Atl: 228.2-17-9-2.83-139
29. Zack Greinke, Mil: 220-10-14-4.17-181
30. C.J. Wilson, Tex: 204-15-8-3.35-170
31. Colby Lewis, Tex: 201-12-13-3.72-196
32. Gio Gonzalez, Oak: 200.2-15-9-3.23-171
33. Madison Bumgarner, SF: 111-7-6-3.00-86
34. Brett Anderson, Oak: 112.1-7-6-2.80-75
35. Jonathan Sanchez, SF: 193.1-13-9-3.07-205
36. Matt Garza, ChC: 204.2-15-10-3.91-150
37. Ricky Nolasco, Fla: 157.2-14-9-4.51-147
38. Ryan Dempster, ChC: 215.1-15-12-3.85-208
39. John Danks, CWS: 213-15-11-3.72-162
40. Brett Myers, Hou: 223.2-14-8-3.14-180
41. Jaime Garcia, StL: 163.1-13-8-2.70-132
42. Daniel Hudson, Ari: 95.1-8-2-2.45-84
43. Ricky Romero, Tor: 210-14-9-3.73-174
44. Ervin Santana, LAA: 222.2-17-10-3.92-169
45. Wandy Rodriguez, Hou: 195-11-12-3.60-178
46. Shaun Marcum, Mil: 195.1-13-8-3.64-165
47. John Lackey, Bos: 215-14-11-4.40-156
48. Ian Kennedy, Ari: 194 9-10 3.80 168
49. James Shields, TB: 203.1 13-15 5.18 187
50. Ted Lilly, LAD: 193.2-10-12-3.62-166
51. Edwin Jackson, CWS: 209.1-10-12-4.47-181
52. Travis Wood, Cin: 102.2-5-4-3.51-86
53. Hiroki Kuroda, LAD: 196.1-11-13-3.39-159
54. Edinson Volzquez, Cin: 62.2-4-3-4.31-67
55. Jeff Niemann, TB: 174.1-12-8-4.39-131
56. Bronson Arroyo, Cin: 215.2-17-10-3.88-121
57. Carlos Zambrano, ChC: 129.2-11-6-3.33-117
58. Jair Jurrjens, Atl: 116.1-7-6-4.64-86
59. Brett Cecil, Tor: 172.2-15-7-4.22-117
60. Jorge De La Rosa, Col: 121.2-8-7-4.22-113
61. Gavin Floyd, CWS: 187.1-10-13-4.08-151
62. Brandon Morrow, Tor: 146.1-10-7-4.49-178
63. Jhoulys Chacin, Col: 137.1 9-11-3.28-138
64. Fausto Carmona, Cle: 210.1-13-14-3.77-124
65. Carl Pavano, Min: 221-17-11-3.75-117
66. Jeremy Hellickson, TB: 36.1-4-0-3.47-33
67. Jake Peavy, CWS: 107-7-6-4.63-93
68. Johnny Cueto, Cin: 185.2-12-7-3.64-138
69. Derek Lowe, Atl: 193.2-16-12-4.00-136
70. Clayton Richard, SD: 201.2-14-9-3.75-153
71. Mike Pelfrey, NYM: 204-15-9-3.66-113
72. Wade Davis, TB: 168-12-10-4.07-113
73. J.A. Happ, Hou: 87.1-6-4-3.40-70
74. Anibal Sanchez, Fla: 195-13-12-3.55-157
75. Brian Matusz, Bal: 175.2-10-12-4.30-143
76. Scott Baker, Min: 170.1-12-9-4.49-148
77. Dallas Braden, Oak: 192.2-11-14-3.50-113
78. Mark Buehrle, CWS: 210.1-13-13-4.28-99
79. Brandon Webb, Tex: DID NOT PITCH
80. Jonathan Niese, NYM: 173.2-9-10-4.20-148

Preseason top 100 players (21): Halladay (10), Hernandez (12), Lincecum (14), Lester (27), Verlander (29), Lee (31), Sabathia (33), Jimenez (45), Price (46), J. Johnson (50), Weaver (58), Oswalt (62), Latos (65), Hamels (70), Kershaw (72), Carpenter (73), Buchholz (80), Liriano (81), Cain (87), Gallardo (92), Hanson (93).

Short hops
Greinke will begin the season on the disabled list because of a rib injury that could wipe out all of April for the 2009 American League Cy Young Award winner. ... The Phillies’ Fantastic Four all make our top 14, and don’t be surprised if Hamels has a huge season, especially if he’s consistently matched up against the opposition’s No. 4 starter. ... A name to remember: The Rays’ Hellickson, an elite prospect who was 4-0 with a 3.47 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 36 1/3 innings as a rookie last season. He takes Matt Garza’s place in Tampa Bay’s rotation. The latter is now the Cubs’ No. 2 starter and could be a bargain as a Nos. 3 or 4 starter in a 12-team mixed league.

NOTE: Statistics are from the 2010 season. ... Players are listed only at the positions at which they are expected to spend the most time in 2011.

THIS WEEK: Outfielders, Wednesday; starting pitchers, today; coming soon: relief pitchers and overall top 100.

LAST WEEK: Shortstops, March 17; third baseman, March 19; designated hitters, March 20.

TWO WEEKS AGO: Catchers, March 7; first baseman, March 8; second baseman, March 9.

Stephen Strasburg's major-league debut, set for Tuesday against the Pirates, has been likened to LeBron James' first game with the Cavaliers.

Forget the hype for a second, however. As fantasy owners, we're concerned with results, which is why three names come to mind for comparisons to the Nationals' can't-miss rookie pitcher: David Price, Tim Lincecum and Mark Prior.

Price, who is 8-2 with a 2.29 ERA this season, was the top overall pick of the 2007 draft by Tampa Bay. He started 19 games in the minor leagues in 2008 before getting called up to the Rays. In Tampa, he made five appearances that year, and four of them were in relief. In 2009, Price's true rookie season, he was 10-7 with a 4.42 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 128 1/3 innings.

A year later, he's destined to be an All-Star at age 24.

Lincecum, the No. 10 overall pick in 2006 (nine selections after the Royals took Luke Hochevar), was on a minor-league track that more closely resembles Strasburg's. The Giants' two-time reigning Cy Young Award winner made his big-league debut in May 2007 after all of eight games down on the farm. That season, he was 7-5 with a 4.00 ERA and an impressive 150 strikeouts in 146 1/3 innings.

In 2008, the year he turned 24, the player they call Franchise was 18-5 with a 2.62 ERA, striking out a ridiculous 265 batters in 227 innings. The following year, he was 15-7 with a 2.48 ERA and 261 Ks in 225 1/3 innings in repeating as the National League's top pitcher.

Prior, the No. 2 overall choice in 2001, threw nine games in the minors (two fewer than Strasburg) before getting promoted to the Cubs in May 2002. He was 6-6 with a 3.32 ERA and 147 strikeouts in 116 2/3 innings. In 2003, he was an All-Star, compiling an 18-6 record with a 2.43 ERA and 245 Ks in 211 1/3 innings.

Injuries ruined his career before it ever got on its Hall of Fame path, but Lincecum and Price are doing just fine.

The same should be said about Strasburg, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound righty who "needed" 11 starts in Double- and Triple-A. Many felt he was ready coming out of spring training, but the Nationals waited until he was 7-2 with a 1.30 ERA and 65 strikeouts in 55 1/3 innings in the minors before making the call -- thus delaying Strasburg's arbitration clock and allowing him to make his debut this week against a pair of offensive jugger-nots.

Tuesday, Strasburg has a home start against the Pirates, who entered Sunday ranked 29th in the majors in batting average (.238) and last in runs scored (181 in 55 games, an average of 3.3). Pittsburgh's OPS of .670 ranks 27th among MLB's 30 teams.

Start No. 2 for Strasburg will come Sunday, June 13 at Progressive Field against David Huff and the Indians. The Tribe entered Sunday ranked 25th in batting average (.245), 26th in runs scored (215 in 54 games, 4.0 per contest) and 26th in OPS (.687).

If you drafted Strasburg and were savvy enough to keep him, you're starting him this week. If Lincecum and Prior are accurate indicators, you can keep him in your lineup and expect a record in the .500 range and plenty of strikeouts -- think Fausto Carmona, times two.

All of which brings us to our breakdown of the remainder of the two-start pitchers for Week 10. These are the less-obvious choices among the group. You already know to start Cliff Lee, Felix Hernandez and Barry Zito, and if you want to play Kyle Davies or Huff, I'm not going to stop you.

For a complete list of pitching matchups for the week, check out ESPN's Fantasy Forecaster.

TWO-START PITCHERS TO PLAY

Johnny Cueto, Reds (Monday, Giants; Saturday, Royals); Armando Galarraga, Tigers (Tuesday, at White Sox; Sunday, Pirates); Edwin Jackson, Diamondbacks (Tuesday, Braves; Sunday, Cardinals); Kevin Slowey, Twins (Tuesday, Royals; Sunday, Braves); Stephen Strasburg, Nationals (Tuesday, Pirates; Sunday, at Indians)

MIDDLE MEN

Two-start pitchers with one favorable and one difficult matchup (the more risky plays):

Brett Anderson, Athletics (Tuesday, Angels; Sunday, at Giants); Fausto Carmona, Indians (Monday, Red Sox; Saturday, Nationals); Jeff Francis, Rockies (Tuesday, Astros; Sunday, Blue Jays); Kyle Kendrick, Phillies (Tuesday, Marlins; Sunday, at Red Sox); Ted Lilly, Cubs (Tuesday, at Pirates; Sunday, White Sox); Daisuke Matsuzaka, Red Sox (Monday, at Indians; Saturday, Phillies); Kris Medlen, Braves (Tuesday, at Diamondbacks; Sunday, at Twins); Randy Wells, Cubs (Monday, at Pirates; Saturday, White Sox)

TWO-START PITCHERS TO AVOID

Scott Feldman, Rangers (Monday, Mariners; Saturday, at Brewers); Gavin Floyd, White Sox (Tuesday, Tigers; Sunday, at Cubs); Scott Kazmir, Angels (Monday, at Athletics; Saturday, at Dodgers); Wade LeBlanc, Padres (Monday, at Phillies; Saturday, Mariners); Colby Lewis, Rangers (Tuesday, Mariners; Sunday, at Brewers); Clayton Richard, Padres (Tuesday, at Mets; Sunday, Mariners); Wandy Rodriguez, Astros (Monday, at Indians; Saturday, at Yankees); Ben Sheets, Athletics (Monday, Angels; Saturday, at Giants)

For more fantasy updates, follow Kevin Kleps on Twitter.

Before we get to the final set of rankings in this nine-part, three-week series that seems longer than the NBA playoffs, a few quick points on the top starting pitchers:

-- Tim Lincecum and Roy Halladay are worthy of top-10 picks. There will be plenty of sluggers available in Round 2.

-- Mariners ace Felix Hernandez, who should benefit from an improved lineup supporting him, might produce first-round numbers in his sixth season. The 23-year-old is an early to mid-second-round selection.

-- I believe in Zack Greinke and would be willing to back it up with a pick in the middle of the second round.

-- CC Sabathia is the only other pitcher I would draft in the top 24. Justin Verlander and his 269 strikeouts will be tempting, but I can’t get his awful 2008 completely out of my mind.

-- For the first time, Johan Santana might be undervalued. He is coming off his first season with fewer than 15 wins since 2003 and likely is a late third- or early fourth-round pick.

On to the rankings:

Rank, player: IP, W-L, ERA, BB, K
1. Tim Lincecum, Giants: 225.1, 15-7, 2.48, 68, 261
2. Roy Halladay, Phillies: 239, 17-10, 2.79, 35, 208
3. Felix Hernandez, Mariners: 238.2, 19-5, 2.49, 71, 217
4. Zack Greinke, Royals: 229.1, 16-8, 2.16, 51, 242
5. CC Sabathia, Yankees: 230, 19-8, 3.37, 67, 197
6. Justin Verlander, Tigers: 240, 19-9, 3.45, 63, 269
7. Dan Haren, Diamondbacks: 229.1, 14-10, 3.14, 38, 223
8. Johan Santana, Mets: 166.2, 13-9, 3.13, 46, 146
9. Chris Carpenter, Cardinals: 192.2, 17-4, 2.24, 38, 144
10. Jon Lester, Red Sox: 203.1, 15-8, 3.41, 64, 225
11. Adam Wainwright, Cardinals: 233, 19-8, 2.63, 66, 212
12. Josh Johnson, Marlins: 209, 15-5, 3.23, 58, 191
13. Cliff Lee, Mariners: 231.2, 14-13, 3.22, 43, 181
14. Josh Beckett, Red Sox: 212.1, 17-6, 3.86, 55, 191
15. Javier Vazquez, Yankees: 219.1, 15-10, 2.87, 44, 238
16. Cole Hamels, Phillies: 193.2, 10-11, 4.32, 43, 168
17. Yovani Gallardo, Brewers: 185.2, 13-12, 3.73, 94, 204
18. Tommy Hanson, Braves: 127.2, 11-4, 2.89, 46, 116
19. Jake Peavy, White Sox: 101.2, 9-6, 3.45, 34, 110
20. Matt Cain, Giants: 217.2, 14-8, 2.89, 73, 171
21. John Lackey, Red Sox: 176.1, 11-8, 3.83, 47, 139
22. Jair Jurrjens, Braves: 215, 14-10, 2.60, 75, 152
23. Chad Billingsley, Dodgers: 196.1, 12-11, 4.03, 86, 179
24. Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers: 171, 8-8, 2.79, 91, 185
25. Ubaldo Jimenez, Rockies: 218, 15-12, 3.47, 85, 198
26. Roy Oswalt, Astros: 18.1, 8-6, 4.12, 42, 138
27. Brandon Webb, Diamondbacks: 4, 0-0, 13.50, 2, 2
28. Wandy Rodriguez, Astros: 205.2, 14-12, 3.02, 63, 193
29. Jered Weaver, Angels: 211, 16-8, 3.75, 66, 174
30. James Shields, Rays: 219.2, 11-12, 4.14, 52, 167
31. A.J. Burnett, Yankees: 207, 13-9, 4.04, 97, 195
32. Gavin Floyd, White Sox: 193, 11-11, 4.06, 59, 163
33. Ricky Nolasco, Marlins: 185, 13-9, 5.06, 44, 195
34. David Price, Rays: 128.1, 10-7, 4.42, 54, 102
35. Carlos Zambrano, Cubs: 169.1, 9-7, 3.77, 78, 152
36. Edwin Jackson, Diamondbacks: 214, 13-9, 3.62, 70, 161
37. John Danks, White Sox: 200.1, 13-11, 3.77, 73, 149
38. Scott Baker, Twins: 200, 15-9, 4.37, 48, 162
39. Matt Garza, Rays: 203, 8-12, 3.95, 79, 189
40. Scott Kazmir, Angels: 147.1, 10-9, 4.89, 60, 117
41. Ryan Dempster, Cubs: 200, 11-9, 3.65, 65, 172
42. Max Scherzer, Tigers: 170.1, 9-11, 4.12, 63, 174
43. Ted Lilly, Cubs: 177, 12-9, 3.10, 36, 151
44. Derek Lowe, Braves: 194.2, 15-10, 4.67, 63, 111
45. Mark Buehrle, White Sox: 213.1, 13-10, 3.84, 45, 105
46. Clay Buchholz, Red Sox: 92, 7-4, 4.21, 36, 68
47. J.A. Happ, Phillies: 166, 12-4, 2.93, 59, 119
48. Daisuke Matsuzaka, Red Sox: 59.1, 4-6, 5.76, 30, 54
49. Rich Harden, Rangers: 141, 9-9, 4.09, 67, 171
50. Jorge De La Rosa, Rockies: 185, 16-9. 4.38, 83, 193
51. Ervin Santana, Angels: 139.2, 8-8, 5.03, 47, 107
52. Randy Wolf, Brewers: 214.1, 11-7, 3.23, 58, 160
53. Johnny Cueto, Reds: 171.1, 11-11, 4.41, 61, 132
54. Aaron Harang, Reds: 162.1, 6-14, 4.21, 43, 142
55. Rick Porcello, Tigers: 170.2, 14-9, 3.96, 52, 89
56. Ben Sheets, Athletics: 198.1, 13-9, 3.09, 47, 158
57. Tim Hudson, Braves: 42.1, 2-1, 3.61, 13, 30
58. Hiroki Kuroda, Dodgers: 117.1, 8-7, 3.76, 24, 87
59. Andy Pettitte, Yankees: 194.2, 14-8, 4.16, 76, 148
60. Joe Blanton, Phillies: 195.1, 12-8, 4.06, 59, 163
61. Jeff Niemann, Rays: 180.2, 13-6, 3.94, 59, 125
62. Kevin Slowey, Twins: 90.2, 10-3, 4.86, 15, 75
63. Brett Anderson, Athletics: 175.1, 11-11, 4.06, 45, 150
64. Francisco Liriano, Twins: 136.2, 5-13, 5.80, 65, 122
65. Joel Pineiro, Angels: 214, 15-12, 3.49, 27, 105
66. Scott Feldman, Rangers: 189.2, 17-8, 4.08, 65, 113
67. Joba Chamberlain, Yankees: 157.1, 9-6, 4.75, 76, 133
68. Bronson Arroyo, Reds: 220.1, 15-13, 3.84, 65, 127
69. Jonathan Sanchez, Giants: 163.1, 8-12, 4.24, 88, 177
70. Stephen Strasburg, Nationals: ROOKIE
71. Erik Bedard, Mariners: 83, 5-3, 2.82, 34, 90
72. John Maine, Mets: 81.1, 7-6, 4.43, 38, 55
73. Wade Davis, Rays: 36.1, 2-2, 3.72, 13, 36
74. Kevin Millwood, Orioles: 198.2, 13-10, 3.67, 71, 123
75. Joe Saunders, Angels: 186, 16-7, 4.60, 64, 101
76. Brad Penny, Cardinals: 173.1, 11-9, 4.88, 51, 109
77. Brett Myers, Athletics: 70.2, 4-3, 4.84, 23, 50
78. Homer Bailey, Reds: 113.1, 8-5, 4.53, 52, 86
79. Brandon Morrow, Blue Jays: 69.2, 2-4, 4.39, 44, 63
80. Shaun Marcum, Blue Jays: Injured, missed season

Preseason top 100 players (24): Lincecum (7), Halladay (10), Hernandez (16), Greinke (17), Sabathia (19), Verlander (26), Haren (30), Santana (35), Carpenter (36), Lester (37), Wainwright (42), Johnson (45), Lee (47), Beckett (59), Vazquez (64), Hamels (76), Gallardo (77), Hanson (83), Peavy (84), Cain (85), Lackey (93), Jurrjens (95), Billingsley (96), Kershaw (97)

Short hops
In his last two seasons, Lincecum is 33-12 and has struck out 526 in 452 1/3 innings. ... Halladay has averaged more than 17 wins in his last four seasons and has a norm of 207 strikeouts in his last two. ... Sabathia has averaged 18 wins and 219 K’s the last three years. ... Haren is 45-27 with an average of 207 strikeouts since 2007. ... Lester is 31-14 in his last two seasons. ... Prior to a down 2009, Hamels averaged 15 wins and 187 strikeouts in 2007 and ’08. ... Peavy was 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA in three starts with the White Sox at the end of 2009. ... Prior to Oswalt’s nightmarish ’09, he was a combined 86-47 from 2004-08. ... Should he recover from a shoulder injury, Webb could be a mid-round gem. He averaged 20 wins and 189 strikeouts in 2007 and ’08. ... The often-overrated Kazmir has never won more than 13 games in a season.

NOTE: Statistics are from the 2009 season. ... Positions listed are according to the depth charts at mlb.com.

THIS WEEK: Outfielders, Tuesday; relievers, Thursday; starting pitchers, today

LAST WEEK: Third baseman, March 8; designated hitters, March 9; shortstops, March 11

TWO WEEKS AGO: Catchers, March 2; first baseman, March 4; second baseman, March 5

Prior to a three-team trade between the Indians, Mariners and Mets last December, Franklin Gutierrez was known for his outfield defense.

It's too early to tell, but thus far that deal, which netted the Indians reliever Joe Smith and second baseman Luis Valbuena, seems to have the Mariners playing the role of Prince Fielder and the Tribe as a ball thrown by a coach in the Home Run Derby.

After homering against his former team Saturday night, his second home run in as many games vs. the Tribe, Gutierrez is batting .294 with 12 homers, 40 RBI and 24 extra-base hits in 293 at-bats. He's also scored 44 runs and stolen six bases.

Even better: Since June 16, he has nine homers and 21 RBI in 117 at-bats. In that span, he's batting .342 with 21 runs. This from a player who hit .248 with eight homers, 40 RBI and a .690 OPS in 399 at-bats with the Indians in 2008.

Factor in that Smith has been oft-injured, has a 4.35 ERA and a 1.60 WHIP, and Valbuena is hitting .217 with a .275 on-base percentage and currently can't beat out Jamey Carroll for playing time, the trade seems as questionable as Eric Wedge's daily lineup adjustments.

Gutierrez is owned in only 22.5 percent of the leagues on ESPN.com, a number that is surprisingly low even after an 8.1-percent leap this week. If Gutierrez is available, he is a significant asset in deep leagues.

He's never been a threat to hit .300 (he batted .258 with the Indians from 2005-08), but he's only 26 and is playing at a career-best clip. Don't expect Gutierrez's batting average to finish above .280 or his homers to continue to occur once every 13 at-bats.

He is, however, more than serviceable as a third outfielder in 14- or 16-team leagues.

He is also another sign that Mark Shapiro seems to have lost his edge faster than you can say Jhonny Peralta.

Finally, the pitchers: A blog I wrote prior to vacation featured the best fantasy batters of the first half. In case you were wondering what happened to the list of pitchers I promised, here we go.

STARTERS

-- Tim Lincecum, Giants: He was 10-2 with a 2.33 ERA and 149 strikeouts in 127 2/3 innings in the first half. Johan, who?

-- Justin Verlander, Tigers: One of this year's best draft-day values won 10 games and fanned 149 in 122 1/3 innings prior to the All-Star break.

-- Zack Greinke, Royals: Yes, he has cooled down considerably (2-4 since June), but I'll take 10-5 with a 2.12 ERA and 129 strikeouts in 127 1/3 innings.

-- Dan Haren, Diamondbacks: Imagine if he compiled his first-half numbers for a team other than the D-Backs (2.01 ERA, a .189 opponents' batting average, 0.81 WHIP and 129 strikeouts in 130 innings). Arizona was the only reason he had only nine wins at the break.

-- Josh Beckett, Red Sox: His ERA (3.35) wasn't on the level of Haren, Greinke or Lincecum, but his 11 wins, three losses and 110 K's place him in the top five.

-- Runner-up: Roy Halladay, who gets a slight edge over Matt Cain and Felix Hernandez.


CLOSERS

-- Jonathan Broxton, Dodgers: He missed the All-Star game because of a toe injury that is expected to hamper him the rest of the season, but he was the top reliever of the first half after going 6-0 with a 3.10 ERA, 20 saves in 22 chances, a 0.93 WHIP and 65 strikeouts in 40 2/3 innings.

-- Heath Bell, Padres: He blew only one save in 24 chances, had a 1.69 ERA and 42 K's in 37 1/3 innings.

Runner-up: Brian Fuentes, Angels: Francisco Rodriguez's replacement in Los Angeles gets a narrow nod over Jonathan Papelbon because of his 26 saves in 29 chances.