As the season crosses its halfway point, there has been plenty of action in which to call this year special.  We have seen Craig Biggio collect 3,000+ hits with the same team, Sammy Sosa eclipse 600 HRs, Frank Thomas eclipse 500 HRs and we are seeing Barry Bonds close in on the all-time HR record. 

But also, this is the year that we are peering into the future.  This year is special, because we are seeing the future of pitching right before our very own eyes.  Some of these guys look like they could be in my high school for crying out loud!  Maybe this is part of baseball's saving grace.  Maybe this is a pipe dream.  But, let's profile the youth movement on the mound.

Philip Hughes - New York Yankees

Before the season began, there were some rumblings out of Yankeeland that their developing farm system's main puzzle piece is looking an awful lot like....Roger Clemens.  Yes, Philip Hughes was quickly becoming one of the most talked about prospects in the country.  With a fastball that can hit the mid-90s, a 12-6 curveball, a dangerous slider and a changeup that looked better by the start; Yankees fans were ready to see if Hughes was indeed; the Real Deal. 

In his first start on April 26, 2007 against the Toronto Blue Jays; Hughes struggled in his MLB debut.  He recorded his first career loss, but to be honest; pitching in Yankee Stadium for your debut most be taxing for the too-young-to-drink pitcher.  In his 2nd start, Hughes looked absolutely dominant.  With a no-hitter through 6 1/3, Hughes came up lame following a pitch that would later go foul, off the bat of Mark Teixeria.  The diagnosis?  A mild hamstring strain that would keep Hughes out for about a month.  Unfortunately, his rehab took a turn for the worse as he suffered a severe ankle sprain that will likely keep him out of commission until August.  Judging by the Yankees current performance, it's possible that they ease their budding star but Hughes did show that he could be a dominant pitcher and soon.

Tim Lincecum - San Francisco Giants

This article's amazing stat?  In 32 innings pitched in AAA-Fresno, Tim Lincecum gave up 1 run.  Yes, just one measly run.  With that in mind, it was only a matter of time before Lincecum entered the Major Leagues for good. 

When San Francisco Giants starter, Russ Ortiz suffered an injury; Tim Lincecum was up on a nationally broadcasted game against the Philadelphia Phillies and Cole Hamels (who ironically had a similar statline to Lincecum in AAA-Scranton last year).  Lincecum showed more shades of dominance than Hughes did in his first start but still struggled enough through 4 1/3 to earn a No Decision in the Phillies win. 

Lincecum's turning point came in his 3rd start against the Houston Astros against Roy Oswalt.  Due to his size (or lack of), Lincecum has actually been compared to the Astros ace and perennial Cy Young candidate.  In coming off his first ML win against the Rockies, Lincecum flashed his power curveball as he struck out 10 and was clocked as high as 98 mph on his fastball. 

Since then however, it's been a mixed bag for Lincecum.  His ERA is at a lofty 4.64 and his control has been off but in today's outing against Arizona; Lincecum had a career-high 12 Ks (allowing only 3 hits) in 7 innings for his 3rd career win.  Giants fans, this kid is legit.

Kevin Slowey - Minnesota Twins

Compared to Hughes, Kevin Slowey was a bit under - the - radar in terms of top prospects.  Baseball America, in fact, had him rated as the 71st best prospect entering the season. 

However, Slowey's excellent control brought him through the ranks of the Minnesota Twins farm system and actually looked the best amongst the other prospects in this list in his ML debut.  In his debut, Slowey pitched 6 innings against the Oakland Athletics and only gave up one run and six hits.  The following start, following a precedent it appears, Slowey registered his first win against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, albeit a bit shakier then his debut; Slowey pitched 5 innings allowing 4 earned runs.

The comparision of Slowery?  The main one that's been recorded is of former Twin, Brad Radke.  Slowey doesn't have as much velocity as say a Tim Lincecum or Philip Hughes; but he has been a tad shaky in his first 6 career starts.  He sports a high ERA of 5.13 and opposing batters are hitting .310 off of him. 

Homer Bailey - Cincinnati Reds

Whether it was that he was actually ready for the Show or that Cincy was trying to draw fans in, Homer Bailey made his debut on June 8th for the Cincinnati Reds against the Cleveland Indians.  Though he did struggle at times, Bailey showed excellent poise and recorded his first win of his promising career although only pitching 5 innings. 

His first sign of dominance came against the Oakland Athletics in his 3rd start.  In 7 innings, Bailey allowed just 2 hits and 1 earned run on only 93 pitches.  This game alone has given the Reds a glimpse of hope in the future as Bailey could soon form an excellent starting trio along with Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo. 

However, Bailey has struggled in his two starts after his gem.  He only lasted 1 2/3 innings to the Phillies and 3 2/3 against the St. Louis Cardinals.  There is reason for optimism but with an ERA of 8.10; Bailey is one bad start away from possibly being sent down to Louisville.  Don't fret though, Cincy, Bailey has shown that he can be an elite pitcher as his curveball, while a plus pitch; has been hung a few times.

Yovani Gallardo - Milwaukee Brewers

The last of our prospects is Yovani Gallardo of the Milwaukee Brewers.  Gallardo looked like a men amongst boys at times in the Minors and was probably ML - ready for about a month prior to his June 14th callup to replace the injuried Chris Capuano. 

In his ML debut, Gallardo struggled early on but dazzled later as he recorded his first win against Barry Bonds and the San Francisco Giants.  Gallardo has been as advertised as he has collected 19 Ks in 19.1 innings pitched for Milwaukee for a 2.79 ERA.  In only 3 starts, Gallardo could be argued to have looked the best amongst all of his peers on this list.

Now there's a interesting dillema in Milwaukee.  Capuano is due to come off the DL soon and manager Ned Yost has said that Gallardo will most likely be put in long-relief.  As a Phillies fan, I still remember Gavin Floyd's awful attempt in long-relief that could've ruined his career.  Hopefully Gallardo doesn't dwell on that same path but he has the makings of a legend.

Now that concludes our list.....for the time being.  While we have seen 5 fantastic prospects come through the ranks, there is still a lot of great pitching in the Minors.  Clay Buchholz of the Portland Sea Dogs (AA-Boston) has been absolutely spectacular as has Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angelos Dodgers.  Hell, if it wasn't for Jon Lester being right in front of him; Buchholz could be called up to the Majors relatively soon.  Carlos Carrasco (AA-Phillies), has also looked great and if someone were to go down in the rotation; he could be called up very soon as well.

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