The 2010 season has indeed been “The Year of the Pitcher.” This was perhaps the most common theme in the bigs and has remained so throughout the playoffs thus far. Pitching is making a comeback as hitters have been stymied at the plate by superior arms on the mound. Names like Tim Lincecum, Roy Halladay and Cole Hamels took center stage in Round 1.
There was no place for offense in the NL’s 1st Round as many household name sluggers struggled mightily, some albeit in victory. Offenses were shut down by better pitching. For example, the NL’s top offense in Cincinnati recorded just 4 runs in three games against Philadelphia (all 4 came in Game 2.)
The only explanation for what occurred in Round 1 could just be the entire regular season. Some of these elite pitchers appear to have gotten stronger as the year progressed and now, dangerously, they may all be at the top of their game.
Now, without further adieu, we recognize the best of the best and the ugliest of all in these slides. Feel free to leave comments as you wish.