The Greatest Starting Pitching Line-Ups in MLB History
Which team in Major League Baseball (MLB) history has the best starting pitching line-up? The answer is not straightforward, as different periods and teams present unique combinations of talent, success, and dominance. Let's examine two of the most notable line-ups: the Atlanta Braves of the mid-1990s and the 2014 Detroit Tigers.
The Mid-1990s Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves of the mid-1990s were a formidable team, boasting a starting pitching lineup featuring Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine, with Steve Avery providing solid support. While the Braves had exceptional longevity and depth in their rotation, their era was characterized by consistent success rather than explosion.
Dominance in Detroit: The 2014 Line-Up
In 2014, the Detroit Tigers boasted an unbeatable lineup featuring four Cy Young Award winners in Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, David Price, and Rick Porcello. Even their fifth starter, Anibal Sanchez, was the AL ERA leader the year prior. Despite this impressive top five, the Braves had a more consistent and seasoned rotation that spanned a longer period.
Criteria for the Best Starting Pitching Line-Up
When considering the best starting pitching line-up in MLB history, several criteria come into play. The core staff should include pitchers who have won multiple World Series championships, and ideally, have demonstrated excellence beyond the regular season, such as adjusting to smaller strike zones in post-season play.
The Oakland A's of the Early 1970s
The Oakland A's in the early 1970s boasted a formidable lineup including Ken Holtzman, Catfish Hunter, Vida Blue, Blue Moon Odom, and Rollie Fingers. Although this team had outstanding defense and an incredible team record, the weak link in Blue Moon Odom prevented this lineup from being crowned the best.
The 2012 San Francisco Giants
Perhaps the best starting pitching line-up in recent history belongs to the 2012 San Francisco Giants. Their rotation consisted of Madison Bumgarner, Tim Lincecum, Ryan Vogelsong, and Matt Cain. Bumgarner threw the perfect game in franchise history, while Cain was the post-season ace, retaining his dominance in the playoffs despite posting a 0-8 record in the regular season.
Of particular note is Barry Zito, who struggled initially but later emerged as the best pitcher on the staff. His comeback story involving mastering his curveball was a highlight. The Giants swept the Detroit Tigers, who were at the height of their powers, in the World Series.
Other standout pitchers on the lineup included Vogelsong, who was known for his ability to induce ground balls and extend innings, and Lincecum, who was relegated to the bullpen but still contributed significantly in the post-season. Their combined record of 61-33 for the year is exceptional, considering the era favored short outings.
The key factor that elevates the 2012 Giants' rotation is their post-season dominance and consistency. Performing at the highest level outside of the regular season and regularly defeating top-tier teams is a testament to their excellence.
Despite the obvious brilliance of the other line-ups discussed, the 2012 San Francisco Giants' lineup stands out as unparalleled in terms of both consistency and post-season excellence.
Whether it's the Braves of the mid-1990s, the Tigers of 2014, or the Giants of 2012, each line-up offers a unique perspective on what constitutes a formidable starting pitching team in MLB. The key to determining the best lineup ultimately depends on evaluating the combination of consistency, depth, post-season performance, and the ability to scale up against top-tier competition.