Spring Surprises and Disappointments - the Pitchers

Carolina's Roy Halladay has been superb so far in three starts - 2-0 with a 0.38 ERA (1 run in 24 innings). He's looking like his old workhorse self. The real surprise in Mudcat camp has been Barry Zito returning to form. It's only been two starts, but Zito has been solid with a 3.21 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 14 IP. Of course having said that he'll probably get bombed in his next start.

The Straphangers' youngsters have been pretty impressive so far, especially Fausto Carmona (1-1, 1.80) and Phil Hughes (1.69, 0.63 WHIP). Carmona has been interesting - despite the low ERA, he's walked a ton of batters (8 in 15 innings) and only struck out two. On the other side of the fence, Cole Hamels has continued his struggles from last year so far in spring (0-2, 12.96).

Team Buddah has to be happy with their two starters acquired in the Ichiro deal. Oliver Perez is dominating so far (2-1, 1.08 ERA, 0.92 WHiP in three starts) and Joe Blanton has been solid as well (2-1, 3.24 - but 32 hits in 25 innings). In fact, Team Buddah's 2.59 team ERA is second in the league. Only George Sherrill has really struggled so far.

Sitting atop the heap in team pitching is the Las Vegas Rat Pack. Led by Chris Young, who is probably the top pitcher so far this spring. Young is now 3-0 with a 1.09 ERA, 0.81 WHiP and 16 Ks. The Ageless Wonder, Orlando Hernandez has done well (1-1, 2.25) and A.J. Burnett, acquired from Marietta, has been lights out (2-1, 2.59). Rookie Tim Lincecum has looked impressive at times (3.00 ERA, 14 Ks in 18 innings), but the underlying numbers (16 H, 11 BB, 1.50 WHiP) indicate that he's a work in progress.

Bringing up the rear are the Mighty Men of Marietta. With four starters with a 7.00 ERA or higher, the Mighty Men are looking like they won't be returning to the finals this year. Rookie John Danks has been the sole bright spot (1-1, 2.38 in 3 starts).