It really is crazy.

In a division that features a 20 game winner (CC Sabathia), a Cy Young winner (Josh Beckett), and the 2008 ALCS MVP (Matt Garza), it's the kids who have been making the most noise.

Where would the New York Yankees be this year without Phil Hughes?

Where would the Boston Red Sox be without Clay Buchholz?

Where would the Tampa Bay Rays be without David Price?

These three pitchers have stepped up when their teams needed them the most—and not just that.

They've also been really, really, really good.

Their success is not surprising. There is a reason why Boston and New York never traded Hughes or Buchholz. There is a reason why Tampa drafted Price first overall in the 2007 draft.

But they have definitely had their bumps along the way. Hughes bounced around as he tried to learn how to pitch under the Bronx microscope.

Bucholz also needed time to develop as he bounced between AAA and the majors. After setting the world on fire in the 2008 playoffs, Price's star dimmed in his first full season in the majors.

But look at them now.

These three pitchers have shown it takes time and patience to develop young pitching.

But the moves can pay massive dividends if you put in the hard work.

Here's a closer look at the three new (f)aces their teams could not live without.

- Tampa Bay Rays David Price

All you have to do is look at the difference in numbers between last year and this year.

2009: 10-7, 4.42 ERA, 7.19 K/9, .244 BAA 2010: 11-3, 2.44 ERA, 7.79 K/9, .225 BAA

This year Price has developed into the ace the Rays knew he'd one day become, and also an All Star. There is a strong possibility that Price takes the mound for the AL in St. Louis in the middle of this month.

As the Rays struggle to emerge from their slump, one of the few players that has tried to help them regain their footing is Price. Without him, the Rays may not even be still within striking distance of New York or Boston.

- Boston Red Sox Clay Buchholz

The 25 year-old righty has really come into his own in his third season in the majors. His line.

10-4, 2.45 ERA, .231 BAA

As Boston has dealt with an injury to Josh Beckett and a less-than-stellar beginning by John Lackey, Bucholz has kept the Red Sox afloat and still in contention.

The only potential worry is an injury to Bucholz's knee. His next start is being pushed back to July 9. As vital as he has been for the Red Sox, any longer term time off could be devastating.

- New York Yankees Phil Hughes

The 25-year-old righty has helped the Yankees once again reclaim first place in the AL East. Here are Hughes 2010 stats.

10-2, 3.45 ERA, .239 BAA

Hughes helped out the team last year by becoming a key cog in their bullpen, acting as one of New York's key set-up men to Rivera.

Now Hughes has shown his potential in the rotation. The development of players from New York's farm system has been the biggest reward this year. Robinson Cano's emergence to stardom, Brett Gardner replacing Johnny Damon, and Hughes have been huge stories this year and a big part of their success.

Hughes has finally been tagged for a few runs recently, giving up five runs or more in two of his last three starts. But there is no reason to suspect Hughes cannot sustain his success over the course of the season, especially having the Yankee offense to support him.

Hughes very well should be an 18-game winner when it's all said and done.

 

It really is funny when you think about it.

 

The Rays are the first team to come to mind when it comes to player development. And Price, James Shields, Wade Davis, and Jeff Niemann have all come from their minor league pipelines.

But each of the Evil Empires know it is easier to develop your own pitching rather than try to acquire it elsewhere.

Boston's Theo Epstein has developed Jon Lester and Buchholz. New York's Brian Cashman has developed Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes. Ten years ago it was Andy Pettite.

And all three know it may take time and patience.

But as this year has shown, it is definitely worth the wait.