Riding the high of Kirk Saarloos' complete game shutout over the Mariners today, I'd like to offer Kirk up as one of the top 5th starters in baseball.

Consider both raw stats and bang for the buck:

1. He's making the major league minimum
2. ERA: 3.82 (that's 21st best in the AL out of 52 eligible starters)
3. Just 3 homers allowed in 75.1 innings

Back in January, a lot of folks in AN didn't even think he was with the organization anymore, much less that he had a shot at the rotation:

http://www.athleticsnation.com/story/2005/1/7/162952/7865

So throw out your kudos to Kirk (or your alternate top 5th starter nominations), and don't forget to tip your cap to Billy Beane for finding another hidden gem.