The 2011 fantasy baseball season saw some of the greatest performances from pitchers than many have seen in several years. Having quality starting pitchers that throw a lot of innings with high strikeout and low ERA numbers will lead teams to titles in rotisserie leagues. Who were some of the best from 2011?
Justin Verlander - Detroit Tigers
The reigning American League Cy Young and MVP award winner had one of the greatest seasons in the history of Major League Baseball. After never seeing his ERA fall below the 3.00 line for his career, Verlander finished the 2011 season with a 2.40 ERA, while going 24-5 to lead the Tigers to the playoffs. He led the league with 251 innings pitched and 250 strikeouts, which are both almost unheard of in this era.
Jered Weaver - Los Angeles Angels
For most of the season, Weaver was ahead of Verlander or close-behind in the eyes of many for the Cy Young, but as the season went on, Weaver struggled a bit while Verlander remained dominant. He still finished second in the voting and still helped lead many teams to a rotisserie title. He went 18-8 with a 2.41 ERA and recorded 198 strikeouts in 235 2/3 innings.
Ricky Romero - Toronto Blue Jays
Luckily for those who had Romero on their rosters, losses aren't a counted statistic in most rotisserie leagues. He lost 11 games a year ago, but still had the best season of his career in the tough AL East. He won 15 games, recorded a 2.92 ERA with 178 strikeouts in 225 innings.
Tim Lincecum - San Francisco Giants
Lincecum won back-to-back Cy Young awards in 2008-09, but his numbers in the previous two seasons have been terrible compared to his award winning years. Despite recording more losses than wins a year ago, Lincecum was still a rotisserie monster. He won 13 games with a 2.74 ERA and also made 220 strikeouts in 217 innings.
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Top Braves Fantasy Stars for 2012
Hobson Lopes has been a life-long Atlanta Braves fan, thanks to TBS, and can be followed on Twitter @HobsonLopes.
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