Do it like this.
Go to any sports site that has baseball statistics.
First sort by number of games started, or innings pitched.
That'll tell you who your every pticher that makes regular starts.
(Kershaw is in the middle because he missed a month at the start of the season.)
Here's an example.
http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/sortable.js...39;&extended=0
You can tell if a starter is a stud if his strike total is equal to or greater than the number of innings pitched. (or very close to)
Check out the WH/IP also, 1.1 or less = terrific.
WH/IP is a metric that measures how many baserunners minus errors a pitcher allows an innimg.
You want that number 1 or less, that's rare for a guy who makes
34 starts.
1.1 is trememdous, 1.4 or so is league average.
I look for WH/IP first, or even OPS, but the real measure is how many baserunners a starting pitcher does not allow.
Kluber has a K ratio of 152K/140 IP or about 9.3 or so per nine - outstanding.
WH/IP is solid, not elite, but solid at 1.18
ERA 2.95, rock solid, not elite, but solid.
Cluber is a stud, not elite, but he is knocking on elite's door.
The first five here are elite. (You want to argue Cueto is not elite yet, make a good case, I might listen)
http://mlb.mlb.com/stats/sortable.js...39;&extended=0
(However, Sale and Kershaw have missed six starts, but still are elite.