Poll: Your choice for the American League’s best first-half pitcher

Jul 15, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; American League pitcher Felix Hernandez (34) of the Seattle Mariners throws a pitch in the first inning during the 2014 MLB All Star Game at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

1. Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners
2014 stats: 11-2, 2.12 ERA, 2.04 FIP, 0.901 WHIP

“King Felix” is up to his usual tricks. He ranks in the top ten in the following:

H/9: 3rd – 6.5
HR/9: T1st – 0.3
BB/9: T6th – 1.6
SO/9: 7th – 9.6
SO/BB: 6th – 6.16

His 154 strikeouts ranks second in the AL (David Price – 164). He also ranks second in ERA and tops in FIP. Hernandez’s bWAR of 4.4 bests all other AL pitchers and sits third overall in the AL.

Hard not to include Felix on this list with the season he’s crafting. This has the potential to be his best including his Cy Young season of 2010. And that’s saying a lot considering what he did that season.