Could Yu Darvish be the best pitcher in MLB?

[YouthofToday]

-on pace for most Ks in a decade (315)

-12.7 k/9

-WHIP under 1

-"Darvish is on track to become just the third 26-year-old in baseball history to reach 300 strikeouts"

We could be witnessing the emergence of a once in a generation player. He definitely belongs in the conversation with Kershaw, King Felix and Verlander as the best pitcher in baseball.

More: http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/05/28/yu-darvish-is-on-pace-for-the-most-strikeouts-in-a-decade/

[HaloCory22]

Hes almost there but not quite. Kershaw is still above and beyond the best pitcher in the game. Darvish still gives up the big hit/run games.

[sneaky_flute]

he's had a few issues with giving up runs in the first inning. my guess is that it's due to trying to establish his fastball command. in terms of pitch grades, his stuff is better than anyone's. 

[RallyMo]

He could be.

 

He's not.

[Scott34]

He is.

[nando714]

I'll take Kershaw

[sneaky_flute]

clayton kershaw also pitches in more pitcher-friendly conditions 

[fan_since79]

Hes almost there but not quite. Kershaw is still above and beyond the best pitcher in the game. Darvish still gives up the big hit/run games.

He was dominating until giving up the game-tying 2-run homer to Gregorius in the 8th inning.

 

He's on pace to double his home-runs-allowed total of last year, but he is walking far fewer hitters and is on pace for the 300 K's. Hitters should be expecting him to be near the plate most of the time.

[Jimmag]

He is definitely in the conversation and would receive votes. I have seen him pitch in person at least two times and am very impressed.

I think it is either Yu or Justin till Jered gets back

[bloodbrother]

He's the best pitcher in the AL right now. Kershaw is still the best pitcher in baseball though. A lefty with big stuff and he's still only 25 years old. He may still have his best seasons yet to come and yet he's already notched a Cy Young award under his belt as well as routinely striking out 200+ guys a season

[gotbeer]

If he does it over a full season.  Then yeah, he could be.  But he hasn't yet.  

[Angelsjunky]

Youth, I think you've got it about right with Verlander, Kershaw, Hernandez, and now Darvish all in the mix. Strasburg is getting there.

[RallyMo]

He is.

 

No, he's not. Pipe down, anti-Midas.

[tdawg87]

I sure am glad we signed that straight-edge, race car driving, shampoo commercial making douchebag over Darvish. Best decision ever.

[AngelsFaninGA]

To be fair, Darvish would be walking 6 guys per 9 innings and have an ERA over 4 if he pitched for the Angels. 

[Angel Oracle]

And of course instead of pursuing him, we pursue Mr. Nibs Nibbler and his stupid nibbling and commercials!

 

This org has guessed WRONG on so many things over the past several years, that it's really getting annoying!
 

[Corona]

Kershaw is the best pitcher in baseball. Harvey might work his way up there in a few seasons as well.

[jshep]

I sure am glad we signed that straight-edge, race car driving, shampoo commercial making douchebag over Darvish. Best decision ever.

 

But Dice-K sucked, so obviously Darvish wasn't going to be worth the money either.

[mrwicked]

hes a badass.

but ill take timmeh in his prime over darvish.

[AngelsLakersFan]

I think ZiPs had him projected as the best pitcher in baseball coming into this season.

[YouthofToday]

I distinctly remember the Wilson vs. Darvish debate in the old forum after the 2011 season.

I wasn't against the Wilson signing. I still like the signing and am glad he is in our team on the deal we have him for.

[JB Abell]

You cannot call someone who had less then 5 years in the mlb "the best in baseball". Grienke had an ERA of like 2.17 one year. One year means nothing. Get back to me in 3 years if he is able to keep thus up for the rest of the year and then several more to follow.

Until then, Kershaw is by far the best. He had one season, his first, that he posted an ERA under 3. His career ERA is 2.7. Nobody that has at least 5 years under their belt even comes close to that besides Roy Halladay.

Jered Weaver is still my favorite pitcher because even when he doesn't pitch well the team still rallies around him, but Kershaw is just a better pitcher.

[The God of Runs]

He's slightly better than Blanton

[austin724]

Like every Japanese pitcher that came over here teams will figure him out.  It is just a matter of time.

[mbn]

he may not even be the best pitcher on the Rangers.   Holland seems to have his head screwed on straight this year