Poll: National League’s best first-half pitcher

Jul 11, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; The National League emblem on the on deck batting circle during batting practice prior to a game between the Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

As we prep for the return of real baseball games today, let’s look over a quintet of pitchers that I believe were the National League’s best over the first half of the season.

I don’t think we see a team’s record enter as a discussion piece when we engage in a top pitcher conversation. I dare say that a team’s record and position has little, if any, influence over such matters. The MVP voting seems to create the squabble or two.

I checked out some of the stats as part of determining my final five. Now, it’s up to you to determine the top NL pitcher over the season’s first half. The poll is located on the last page of this post. If did not catch the NL MVP poll and/or any of the American League polls, there are links to those located underneath the poll for this post.

Nominees are listed in alphabetical order.