Now that we’ve finished up with the hitters, it’s time to turn our attention to the best starting pitchers of the 2016 Valley League season.
A couple things to keep in mind as we start the list, though. First, and maybe most important, pitchers had to qualify for the ERA title to be eligible for the list (.8 innings pitched per team game, in other words). I will post about some good pitchers who didn’t quite make the cut off in between the starters and relievers lists. Also, wins and losses do not factor into the rankings, although I will mention the numbers in the writeups. I ranked these pitchers by ERA, WHIP, BB/9, and K/9.
Please keep in mind (although it’s difficult, I get it) that this is just one person’s opinion. You are free to have your own. I am not making any statements about these players’ future prospects- we are only looking at results in the 2016 summer in the Valley.
All that clear? Excellent. Let’s get started.
#15 Starter: John Barr, Winchester
John Barr has pulled off a pretty rare feat in his two years in the Valley League: he was named 
ATVL’s #13 reliever after the 2015 season, and now he’s a top starter!
The righthander from South Alabama went 3-1, 3.68 for the Royals last summer, along with a 1.199 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9, and 4.4 K/9 in 36 2/3 innings pitched. He also threw 2 innings in the playoffs, and appeared in the All-Star game. His best start was on June 3 against Waynesboro, when he allowed only 1 hit and 1 run in 5 innings, without allowing a walk, and striking out 1.
Also pitching for the Royals in 2015, John went 2-2, 2.49, with 7 saves, a 1.244 WHIP, 2.1 BB/9, and 8.7 K/9 in 21 2/3 innings.
John redshirted at South Alabama in 2015, and only threw 4 innings in 2016. Hopefully he’ll get a long look in the 2017 college season!
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