We're basically half way through the season and here's my lists for the top pitchers, i.e., Cy Young Award candidates in the National and American Leagues. Many are carried over from the previous months but a few have made their way onto the lists for the first time.
National League:
- Brandon Webb - D-backs: 12-4, 3.21 ERA, 112.0 IP, 94 Ks. (only 2-2 in June though)
- Tim Lincecum - Giants: 9-1, 2.38 ERA, 109.2 IP, 114 Ks. (2-0 in June on a bad offensive team)
- Edinson Volquez - Reds: 10-3, 2.08 ERA, 99.1 IP, 110 Ks (3-1 in June on another bad team)
- Ben Sheets - Brewers: 9-2, 2.83 ERA, 111.1 IP, 91 Ks. (top SP as long as he stays healthy)
- Dan Haren - Diamondbacks: 8-4, 2.85 ERA, 110.2 IP, 96 Ks. (great 1-2 punch with Webb)
- Ryan Dempster - Cubs: 9-3, 3.26 ERA, 105.0 IP, 86 Ks. (can he keep it up the 2nd half of the season?)
- Carlos Zambrano - Cubs: 8-3, 3.13 ERA, 106.1 IP, 68 Ks. (1-2 in June and on DL)
- Manny Parra - Brewers: 8-2, 3.95 ERA, 86.2 IP, 68 Ks. (1st time on the list - had a great June)
- Aaron Cook - Rockies: 10-5, 3.64 ERA, 116.1 IP, 55 Ks. (a Rockies pitcher in top 10 - will it last?)
- Cole Hamels - Phillies: 8-5, 3.38 ERA, 120.0 IP, 103 Ks. (ERA, IP & Ks got him in)
Honorable Mention:
- Kyle Lohse - Cardinals: 10-2, 3.67 ERA, 105.1 IP, 50 Ks (having an unbelieveable first half - could be in top10).
- Jonathan O. Sanchez - Giants: 8-4, 3.79 ERA, 102.0 IP, 102 Ks.
- Ricky Nolasco - Marlins: 8-4, 4.05 ERA, 95.2 IP, 67 Ks (good June).
- Jair Jurrjens - Braves: 8-3, 2.94 ERA, 98.0 IP, 69 Ks (Tigers wish they'd kept him).
- Todd Wellemeyer - Cardinals: 7-2, 3.46 ERA, 88.1 IP, 68 Ks.
American League:
- Cliff Lee - Indians: 11-1, 2.34 ERA, 103.2 IP, 90 Ks. (3-0 in June - Tribe still floundering)
- Joe Saunders - Angels: 11-4, 3.06 ERA, 106.0 IP, 53 Ks. (only 3-2 in June)
- John Lackey - Angels: 6-1, 1.44 ERA, 68.2 IP, 54 Ks. (pitching great since coming off DL)
- Daisuke Matsuzaka-Red Sox: 9-1, 3.21 ERA, 70.0 IP, 60 Ks. (1-1 in June & on DL)
- Rich Harden - Athletics: 5-0, 2.15 ERA, 67.0 IP, 83 Ks. (can he stay healthy?)
- Ervin Santana - Angels: 9-3, 3.32 ERA, 108.1 IP, 99 Ks. (3 Angels SP in top 6)
- Justin Duchscherer - A's: 8-5, 1.91 ERA, 85.0 IP, 55 Ks. (1st time on list - great June)
- Scott Kazmir - Rays: 7-3, 2.28 ERA, 67.0 IP, 72 Ks. (only 2-2 in June)
- Roy Halladay - Blue Jays: 9-6, 2.90 ERA, 130.1 IP, 106 Ks. (could be ranked higher)
- Gavin Floyd - White Sox: 9-4, 3.45 ERA, 101.2 IP, 67 Ks. (g