By Pete Schwichtenberg @schwick26_pete on January 24, 2015
Ranking the Top 10 MLB Starting Rotations Heading Into 2015 Season
Getty Images
While offense is fun to watch, pitching wins games in the MLB. After a crazy offseason of moves, here are the top 10 rotations heading into the 2015 season.
10. San Francisco Giants
Getty Images
10. San Francisco Giants
Getty Images
For years, the San Francisco Giants have been known for starting pitching and they are still solid at the top. Madison Bumgarner proved last October that he is one of the best pitcher's on the planet, but the rest of the staff brings question marks. Matt Cain will return from injury and looks to prove he is still elite. Aging pitchers Tim Hudson and Jake Peavy will need to show that they still have it, while Tim Lincecum will vie for a spot.
9. Milwaukee Brewers
Getty Images
9. Milwaukee Brewers
Getty Images
In the last several seasons, the Brewers have had a lot of No. 2 and 3 starters, but not an ace. With former "ace" Yovani Gallardo gone, look for a breakout season from Wily Peralta. With Kyle Lohse and Matt Garza in the middle of the rotation and the underrated Mike Fiers and Jimmy Nelson rounding out the rotation, the Brewers' staff will keep them in contention all year.
8. Miami Marlins
Steve Mitchell- USA TODAY Sports
8. Miami Marlins
Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
The Marlins not only upgraded their offense this winter, they beefed up their pitching. By bringing Mat Latos to the rotation, they have a pitcher who is one of the best in the league when healthy. Once Jose Fernandez returns mid-season, this team will be tough to beat.
7. Los Angeles Angels
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
7. Los Angeles Angels
Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Just as their starting lineup has been strong for the past few seasons, the Angels have some of the best arms in the game. Jered Weaver and C.J. Wilson have remained steady for years and if new staff ace Garett Richards can quickly return from last season's injury, they will remain in the AL West race all year.
6. Chicago White Sox
Dave Weaver-USA Today Sports
6. Chicago White Sox
Dave Weaver-USA Today Sports
Instead of rebuilding this winter, the White Sox reloaded their lineup and rotation. By adding Jeff Samardzija, they have one of the best one-two punches in the game. The underrated Jose Quintanta and breakout rookie candidate Carlos Rondon will help to make the rotation even stronger.
5. St. Louis Cardinals
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
5. St. Louis Cardinals
Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
In St. Louis, almost every pitcher enters the 2015 season with a question mark, but it is hard to keep them out of the top five. Adam Wainwright will look to prove that he is past his late-season elbow injury, while others like John Lackey are out to prove a down season last year was a fluke. Carlos Martinez should finally have his chance in the rotation, and he has talent to quickly rise to the top of the rotation.
4. New York Mets
Getty Images
4. New York Mets
Getty Images
The Mets have experience at the top of their staff, but the young arms will be the strength of this up-and-coming team. Arms like Jacob deGrom, Zack Wheeler and Matt Harvey are going to help make this team competitive for a long time.
3. Seattle Mariners
Getty Images
3. Seattle Mariners
Getty Images
In Seattle, the Mariners' pitching rotation has seven viable arms. Not only do they have the best pitcher in the AL in Felix Hernandez, but the young arms of James Paxton and Taijuan Walker will keep pitching their strength for a long time. With a new-look offense, these arms should finally carry Seattle back to the postseason.
2. Washington Nationals
Getty Images
2. Washington Nationals
Getty Images
With the signing of Max Scherzer, the Washington Nationals rotation is loaded. Sherzer will join a staff that includes Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann, Gio Gonzalez and Doug Fister. The rotation is so strong that 15-game winner Tanner Roark is currently set to be on the outside looking in.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
Getty Images
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
Getty Images
While they may not have the quality of depth the Nationals have, the top of the rotation puts the Dodgers on top. With Clayton Kershaw, Zack Greinke and Hyun-Jin Ryu, the Dodgers have the best staff for the second straight year.
Pete Schwichtenberg is a MLB writer for Rantsports. Follow @schwick26_pete, Like him on Facebook, or Add him to your Google Network.