First Half Recap: Best Pitchers in the League (So Far)

With the first half of the season in the books, it seems like as good a time as any to analyze those who've performed well on the mound thus far this season. This article will highlight the top five pitchers in particular. To get on this list, pitchers had to pitch at least 10 innings and have a significant amount of wins. Some of these pitchers have been doing well since opening day while others have been rising after an initial rough start. In any event, the following pitchers deserve some recognition for their success so far on the mound this season as well as a few pitchers that are on the bubble and could improve dramatically with a good second half of the season.

1. Josh Hager (Maroon $quad) Hager's delivery gives "over-the-top" a whole new meaning. This odd delivery from almost behind his head keeps batters guessing not only what kind of pitch it is but how fast it will be. Hager is primarily an off-speed pitcher but can throw some heat to keep opponents on their toes. He relies mainly on a slight drop pitch or straight fastball. He occasionally whips out a curve ball but it's hard to tell if he does it on purpose or not... after all, we're all still learning how to throw junk. The real credit for Hager's success on the mound should be given to the great defense in the outfield his team provides. Not much gets by the fielders. Briers has been seen diving for balls and robbing home runs and Steele and Clagg are just as quick on their feet when needed. W L S IP H K BB ER ERA WHIP 5 0 0 15 10 8 5 7 2.33 1.00
	2. Greg Sowards (Beaver Fever) Sowards is far from new to pitching. He's had 10 years experience in the GDWL in Hurricane and transitioned well with this league where he went 11-0 and winning HWL Cy Wiffle (equivalent to Cy Young award) and was hailed nationally by making NWLA's 2012 first team pitchers. He led the league in Ks with 31 and has broken that record already with 36 (currently leading the league). His style has been labeled as "finesse" due to his preference to almost toss the ball rather than use brute speed on the mound. So far his style has seemed to translate well with the league's transformation this year including many great hitters. He's no doubt a smart veteran of the sport and it's come in handy quite a bit as he's led his team from the mound this year. W L S IP H K BB ER ERA WHIP  4 5 0 39 88 36 2 61 7.82 2.31
3. Thelmer Damron (Pink Penguins) Thelmer is known on the field for three things: varying facial hair styles, having the most unique first name in the league, and being an all around great pitcher. Thelmer has a great fastball, fork pitch, and curveball. But he's a pitcher that's always learning so every time you face him you have to expect something new. He's a dedicated player who has brought together one of the most fun teams to watch in the league (complete with a fan club). However, the Penguins defense needs improvement and they need to score more runs if Thelmer is to have a better record or to keep doing as well as he is now. Thelmer does not walk many batters but has come in to relieve in games that have ended up negatively impacted his stats when the offense could not turn the tide. W L S IP H K BB ER ERA WHIP  3 2 0 20 33 20 3 21 5.25 1.80
	4. James Clagg (Maroon $quad) Clagg has been making a name for himself in the league lately with his ridiculous amount of home runs and RBIs but many are beginning to notice he can also pitch as well. In the recent absence of Josh Hager, Clagg has been forced to take the mound out of necessity and has performed well. He leads the league in saves and has accomplished a lot in only 18 innings pitched. He's most notable on the mound for his blinding fastball he's exhibited lately. His speed is perhaps going to change how we view the distance to the pitcher's mound and how to give the batters a fighting chance if pitchers have the ability to turn on the heat to that level. W L S IP H K BB ER ERA WHIP  3 0 3 18 14 20 5 9 2.50 1.06
5. Kevin Lawrence (Holy Balls) Kevin easily has the most bizarre pitching styles in the league that likens him to a human version of those bird pinwheels. His style has definitely had a positive effect on his record as batters appear to have no idea what to expect. He is one of the most unpredictable pitchers in the league. He can throw a fastball, a curveball, or a change-up. No one ever knows what's coming...maybe not even Kevin himself. He relies primarily on his defense behind him and of all the pitchers on this list, his walk and strikeout count is pretty unimpressive yet his WHIP (walks or hits per innings pitched) is among the lowest in the league. His one loss is from the only team to beat the Holy Balls: the Maroon $quad. Will he ever get to scratch another dash into the 'W' column against the Squad? W L S IP H K BB ER ERA WHIP  3 1 1 14 17 8 6 10 3.57 1.64

Josh Smith (Terrorhawks) Smith has been the team's go-to pitcher all season but has had issues with accuracy. He needs better control if he wants to improve.	Andrew Hankins (Terrorhawks) Hankins has had some beginners luck but he will need to walk less batters if he hopes to rise near the top. His curveball is a delight though.	Ryan Miller (Pink Penguins) Miller has struggled with control but has recently mastered a filthy curve ball. He nearly got his first win in Week 5. His rise is imminent.	Tim Dillon (Holy Balls) With Larwence tardy and Thompson unwilling to pitch, Dillon has been forced to try his luck. So far it's been mixed results but he's showing promise.
W L K ERA 2 3 14 4.76	W L K ERA 2 1 8 9.64	W L K ERA 0 2 11 15.00	W L K ERA 1 1 0 9.29