Top 25 under 25: #19 Matt Cain

Born October 21st, 1984

Matt Cain came out of the whom a 6'3 235lbs pitcher ready to throw gas. Cain has pitched in the starting rotation for the San Fransisco Giants since 2006 and is currently having his breakout season. Cain has a carer record of 42-47 with a 3.49 era in 128 starts. But do not let that sub-500% record fool you considering the Giants have been a bottom of the division team since Bonds left (un-official...but somewhat true). Thus far in 2009, Cain is 12-4 in 24 starts with a 2.49 era, 4 complete games and 126 strikeouts over 164IP.

Cain has been projected to be a solid strikeout and striking throwing pitcher for many years. In 164IP this season, Cain has only allowed 56 walks. With other pitchers in the rotation such as Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum, Randy Johnson (DL), Noah Lowry (DL), Barry Zito and Johnathan Sanchez, the Giants make a decent pitching staff but it's certainly Lincecum and Cain that keep the Giants in the playoff hunt. Look for a healthy Lowry possibly next season and hopefully a Madison Bumgardner showing to back up the Lincecum and Cain phenoms.