Top 5: surprising candidates to win 20 games

1 Jon Garland, White Sox. A 12-game winner in each of the past three years, Garland needs five more wins to reach 20. That shouldn't be a problem, considering the way Garland is pitching and the Sox are rolling. Better control has helped Garland post a 3.19 ERA; his career mark entering the season was 4.68.

2 Jeremy Bonderman, Tigers. At 22, Bonderman's potential is turning into production. With 13 victories, he has a chance to reach 20 two seasons after losing 19 games. Bonderman's 3.95 ERA is 1.25 runs better than the mark he posted during his first two big-league seasons.

3 Dontrelle Willis, Marlins. The two biggest reasons for his great season are his reduction in walks and home runs allowed. With 13 victories, Willis has a very good shot to reach 20. The one concern is he has faded the past two seasons.

4 Matt Morris, Cardinals. He didn't make his first start until April 19, after shoulder surgery, but Morris could make a run at the 20-win plateau, which he reached in 2001. Morris won 15 last season but also allowed 35 homers and posted a 4.72 ERA. This year, he has given up 10 homers and has a 3.42 ERA.

5 Livan Hernandez, Nationals. He has reaped the benefits of his club's turning into a playoff contender. Hernandez's ERA is only .16 lower than it was in 2004, but his 12 victories already are more than he had last season. The biggest obstacle that could keep Hernandez from finishing strong is a balky knee.

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