Jonathan Sanchez.

By ROB SHAW

sportsnet.ca

While CC Sabathia picked up his 20th win, and Roy Halladay is making his case for the NL Cy Young Award, these 10 less-heralded hurlers have managed to exceed expectations this season.

Jonathan Sanchez, SP, Giants

Fantasy managers have come to expect the unexpected from the Giants. It, therefore, makes perfect sense that the hurler offering consistency in an effort to keep the Giants in the pennant race is not Tim Lincecum, but instead, the usually volatile Jonathan Sanchez. The hard-throwing southpaw has won three straight decisions and has allowed just two earned runs over the last 27 innings. Sanchez has already set a career-high with 11 wins, 188 strikeouts, and a 3.21 ERA.

Roy Oswalt, SP, Phillies

In Houston, Roy Oswalt was solid this season with a 3.42 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. In fact, the opposition hit just .229 off him, which is well below his career average. Nonetheless, due to a lack of run support, Oswalt was just 6-12 through 20 starts. The Phillies clearly saw that a great opportunity was present for Oswalt to start racking up wins with a change of scenery. Since the Phillies have acquired the Astros ace, Oswalt has won seven of his 10 starts, while boasting a 1.94 ERA. For the season, Oswalt has evened his record at 13-13. This is key since Oswalt has never suffered a losing season in his 10-year major-league career.

Randy Wolf, SP, Brewers

The Wolf-man can! Randy Wolf has surrendered just three runs over his last 23.2 innings, and is doing exactly what the Brewers thought he would when they acquired him prior to the season. The only problem is that the Brewers offence has been a letdown, and Wolf's 12 wins have meant more in fantasy circles than in reality. At 34 years old, the veteran southpaw remains one of the better hurlers in baseball and should be expected to produce more of the same next season.

Brett Myers, SP, Astros

If Brett Myers played for a winning team, he would probably be considered for the NL Cy Young Award. Myers has pitched a minimum of six innings in every start this season. It's a remarkable transformation for a flame-thrower who was once relegated to the bullpen in an effort to keep his health in check. Myers has now won five straight decisions to improve his record to 13-7 with a stellar 2.76 ERA. The heck with the minimum of six innings, Myers has now gone seven deep in seven of his last eight starts.

Cole Hamels, SP, Phillies

The 26-year old Cole Hamels has bounced back from a down season with one of his best yet. The Phillies southpaw has set a career-high with 201 strikeouts, and his 3.01 ERA also ranks as his best. The best news of all for the young hurler is his durability. Hamels has dealt with all sorts of injuries early in his career, but this is his third straight season with a minimum of 30 starts. Hamels is as hot as ever, having allowed just one run to score on him in his past four starts all resulting in victories.

Brett Anderson, SP, A's

A 6-4 finish after the 2009 All-Star break with a 3.48 and 1.19 WHIP had fantasy managers picking Brett Anderson as a potential breakout ace. Unfortunately, an injury sidelined Anderson for most of the season, but he has come on as of late. Anderson has allowed just four earned runs over his last three starts, each resulting in a win. His record is just 6-6 this season, but his ERA is 2.83 through 16 starts. The 22-year old has proven that he can be a dominant hurler over a prolonged period. Some more offensive support will offer him a shot at earning more national recognition.

John Axford, RP, Brewers

Although John Axford was recently demoted to allow Trevor Hoffman to record his 600th career save, there is no question who the dominant closer has been this season for the Brewers. Axford boasts an 8-1 record, 22 saves, and a 2.15 ERA. If not for the fact that the Brewers are out of contention, Axford's name would be broached in the Rookie of the Year discussion. Instead, the 27-year-old who came out of nowhere will likely finish the season by alternating with Hoffman for save opportunities, but next season, it will be Axford's job to lose. Axford, meanwhile, has not allowed an earned run over the last five weeks.

Daniel Hudson, SP, Diamondbacks

Since joining the Diamondbacks, Daniel Hudson has won six of his seven decisions. He could have won many more, as all 10 of his appearances with the D-Backs have resulted in quality starts. In fact, on Sunday, Hudson allowed just five batters to reach base in 6.1 innings of work, and yet the bullpen blew the lead resulting in a no-decision. The good news for Hudson is that he is enjoying a chance to pitch every fifth day. This was an opportunity that never presented itself when Hudson was pitching for the contending White Sox.

Ian Kennedy, SP, Diamondbacks

Over his past three starts, former Yankees top prospect Ian Kennedy has surrendered just nine hits and one earned run in 20 innings. He also did not pick up a single win over that stretch. That's life for a fine hurler pitching for a horrendous ball club. On the season, Kennedy has allowed two runs or fewer in 12 starts. His record in those starts is 5-1. Had the Diamondbacks provided enough run support or the bullpen not blown the lead in those starts, Kennedy's season record would be 16-8. Instead, the 25-year old right-hander is 9-9 with a 3.79 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP.

Hisanori Takahashi, RP, Mets

A sweep at the hands of the rival Atlanta Braves reminds Mets fans how far this team has fallen, but one bright spot has been the pitching of Hisanori Takahashi. Since the Mets lost K-Rod to an injury, Takahashi has picked up seven saves, while allowing just one earned run over his last 14 appearances. Takahashi also stepped up earlier in the season when Oliver Perez was removed from the starting rotation. On the season, Takahashi is 9-6 with seven saves and a 3.77 ERA. However, Takahashi is far from a young prospect. He had pitched several seasons in Japan and is now 35-year old. Nonetheless, the Mets have to be thrilled with his performance and will likely call him back for next season.