Baseball is right around the corner. Pitchers and catchers are preparing to pack their bags. For those of you who are preparing for your fantasy baseball draft here are five pitchers to keep an eye on going into the 2010 Season……

1.) Jon Lester

By now it’s obvious I’m a pretty big Lester fan. The guy is a K machine, with a tidy WHIP. I expect an ERA in the low 3′s and 18 wins if he can stay healthy this year. As Lester keeps maturing as a pitcher, he is one guy to snag and hold onto even though he pitches in the AL EAST.

2.) Yovani Gallardo

Gallardo has a lot of sex appeal. If he is able to stay healthy the guy could put up serious K numbers. He has filthy stuff and should fair well in NL Central. I expect to see his ERA an WHIP drop, and wins hit about 16 this year. He is a guy you can get in later rounds as well. Snatch him up.

3.) Tommy Hanson

When I say lock this guy up if you can, I mean it. Hanson was downright nasty in his first year in the bigs. I don’t see a sophomore slump this guy, he’s just too much of a stud. Guy boasted an ERA under 3.00 and a tidy WHIP of 1.18 in his rookie season.  Expect to see him improve on last years numbers, just be wary if they innings watch last in the season.

4.) Ubaldo Jimenez

Get to know him. Guy has flat out electric stuff. His fastball pushes 100 mph. He’s continue to mature as a pitcher and there is no reason not to expect 17-18 wins, a sub 3.50 ERA, a nice WHIP, and over 200 K’s. He went through a stretch last year where he was absolutely unhittable. If he can somehow harness his stuff, he could have a fantastic year.

5.) Jake Peavy

I’m going to go ahead and take a flyer on Jake the Snake. I think he rebounds just fine this year, and the new change of scenery will help him start over. The AL Central isn’t known for it’s offensive production. The Twins, Royals,  and Indians aren’t offensive juggernauts. It’s not unreasonable to expect a sub 3.50, with over 200 K’s and 16 wins.