A poll of selected American League pitching coaches and scouts produced this list of the young pitchers in the league with the best chance to make it to the No. 1 starter role:

1. Tim Hudson, Oakland. "Great stuff. Has the most important essential for a great pitcher -- the athleticism to repeat his delivery. And, very important in the American League with its tiny ballparks, he keeps the ball out of the air (2.27 GB/FB ratio)."

2. Freddy Garcia, Seattle. "Three legit strikeout pitches. Hopefully all the pitches he threw down the stretch won't have a carryover effect."

3. Chris Carpenter, Toronto. "Another power sinker with a power breaking ball, very tough, another very good athlete." He would have been a No. 1 pick in the NHL draft as a 6-6 defenseman had he continued playing the sport in high school in New Hampshire.

4. Sidney Ponson, Baltimore. "He could jump ahead of Scott Erickson this season and move in behind Mussina. A great learner who picked up a change and cutter this past season."

Now, this list already puts Bartolo Colon at the established level. But everyone asked adds these pitchers, who still have questions about them.