The next great MLB rotations

It's a cliché, but it's true: Everyone needs pitching. Even the richest of the rich need more arms. The New York Yankees added Hiroki Kuroda and Michael Pineda this offseason, while the Boston Red Sox have scrambled to improve their rotation and will try reliever Daniel Bard there this spring.

In the prospect world, there is nothing more valuable and therefore nothing more rare than a self-grown elite starter, with even simply good ones quickly entering untouchable mode in trade talks. Which teams are most likely to develop these valuable commodities?

To find out, I generated five-prospect rotations based solely on prospect status, as opposed to closest to the big leagues, and found nine collections that stood out.

The star-studdent department

(Pitchers listed in order of where they would fit in rotation)

1. Arizona Diamondbacks: Trevor Bauer, Tyler Skaggs, Archie Bradley, David Holmberg, Andrew Chafin

The Diamondbacks had the third and seventh overall picks in the 2011 draft, and they made them count when it came to arms. Bauer could be in Arizona as early as this year, and while the high schooler Bradley will certainly take longer, some feel he eclipses Bauer in terms of upside.

Skaggs was acquired in the Dan Haren trade and his stock exploded in 2011, as he went from a projectable pitcher to one who is starting to tap his potential, with some scouts believing he has a shot at becoming a true ace. It's a big drop after the three, but Holmberg is a high-floor player who should slot into any rotation, while Chafin is an intriguing pick from last June who just needs to stay healthy.

To read the full story from Kevin Goldstein, plus gain access to ESPN Insider's full MLB coverage, sign up today.

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