Darvish, the 26-year old Texas Rangers pitcher, struggled at times in his first season in the Major Leagues, but since August of 2012, he has become arguably the best pitcher in the world. This season, he he has been nothing short of spectacular, coming within one out of a perfect game in his first start, allowing less than two runs a game, and striking out 49 batters in his first 32 innings.

 

“He’s got all the pitches,” Darvish’ catcher A.J. Pierzynski said. “He’s got the mentality and he keeps getting more comfortable.”

 

While only time will tell if Darvish will have the long-term impact on American baseball that Ichiro Suzuki has had, for the time being, no pitcher in baseball looks better.