Editor's note: Former Cincinnati Reds closer Rob Dibble names the top young pitchers heading into the 2003 season:

1. Barry Zito, A's
At 24, Zito is not only one of the best young pitchers in the game today, he's also one of the best pitchers period. In winning the AL Cy Young last year, he's also the youngest pitcher to win the award since Roger Clemens in 1986. Count on Zito to win many more.

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His curveball is the best in the business and he has the best winning percentage (47-17) among active pitchers with a minimum of 50 starts. Zito has also given up 100 less hits than innings pitched (which is just awesome) and has allowed only 48 home runs in 536.1 innings pitched. Having appeared in the Oakland Ballet's "The Nutcracker," Zito is as unique as he is talented. Pencil him in for 25 wins this year -- you just can't underestimate his capabilities.

2. Mark Buehrle, White Sox
Last season, this 24-year-old won nearly 20 games (19-12). Expect him to win at least that may games in 2003. Buehrle made 23 quality starts last season (which means he went into the seventh inning in 23 of his 34 starts). That's awesome, especially by today's standards.

Drafted in the 38th round three years ago, Buehrle is now 39-21 in The Show. Scouts should have lost their jobs for not recognizing his amazing talent. Pencil him in for at least 20 wins while helping the White Sox get back to the playoffs.

3. Roy Oswalt, Astros
Oswalt has four pitches he can throw for strikes at any time in the count. In less than two years in the big leagues, this 25-year-old is 33-12. Oswalt knows how to pitch and how to win games. His heart is the size of a lion's when he takes the mound. Pencil him in for 18-24 wins this season.

4. Mark Prior, Cubs
The 22-year-old flamethrower is the most poised young pitcher in the big leagues. Though he only made 19 starts last season, in 116.2 innings pitched, he struck out 147, walked 38, and gave up only 98 hits.

Prior has the best fastball of anyone on this list. He'll win his share of Cy Young Awards before he's done. Pencil Prior in for 18-22 wins this season.

5. Brett Myers, Phillies
Although Myers has only made 12 starts in the big leagues, he already has scouts buzzing. One scout noted that he's a "bulldog," and that if he doesn't make the big leagues as a starter, "he'll make an even better closer." You know I love to hear that.

Rob Dibble co-hosts ESPN Radio's Dan Patrick show and is a baseball analyst for ESPN.