Write On Sports LLC - "AL Cy Young Watch" by Drew Ely

AL Cy Young Watch

2006-09-20 00:25:31 | By: Drew Ely

Since 1956, the Cy Young has been awarded to deserving pitchers from both the American and National leagues. This award was the brainchild of then Commissioner of Baseball Ford Frick. He grew increasingly frustrated with the little to no representation of pitchers in the annual MVP balloting. His remedy to his frustration was to create a new reward. I guess if you become Commissioner you get to do things like that.

Since its introduction there has been constant debate and speculation over who will win, who should win, and who was robbed of the award. While I know it’s a little early to start speculating, every war needs an opening salvo, so let's officially kick-start the debate.

Every year there are many pitchers, both starters and relievers, who are usually considered. The award is given to the pitcher who gets the most votes. Each major league city gets one vote. This vote usually comes from a well known “baseball expert”. I generally don’t agree with the “expert” assessment of the best pitcher in each league. This is mostly due to the ECCA (East Coast Conspirators Association). This is also sometimes known as “East Coast Bias”. While this article's purpose is not to get into the stupidity of most baseball writers (especially from the East Coast), it’s always fun to take a jab (from time to time).

American League Candidates

1. Johan Santana
Since 2003, in my opinion no pitcher has been more dominant than him. Let's take a look at his numbers since 2003. He has a record of 67-21 with a combined ERA of 2.89, while striking out 909 and walking only 190. In case you are wondering, he is averaging over 1 strikeout per inning and an amazing 9.76 k/9 innings. Wow! With all that said, the eligible voters don’t give too much love for pitchers who have historically done well. The voters ask what the pitcher has done for the team recently. His 2006 stats are equally as impressive as his previous three seasons. As of September 19th, he is 18-5 with an ERA of 2.77. He has been a killer. He has struck out 237 batters in 220 2/3rd innings. He currently leads the league in three statistical categories. Those are Innings Pitched (220.2), Strikeouts (237), and ERA (2.77). As you will see with the other candidates, he has a sizeable advantage.

2. Roy Halladay
Don’t get me wrong--Roy Halladay is no slouch. We must remember a few things when thinking about his numbers. While he has less wins and a higher ERA than Santana, his team also plays the Red Sox and Yankees 19 times. On top of all that, the Blue Jays are horrible and will forever be jockeying with the Orioles for third place in the division. What a horrible existence. For his sake, I hope he gets traded to the National League sometime in his career so that he can REALLY dominate. Halladay puts up very respectable numbers. In 31 games this year he has compiled a record of 16-5, which ties him for second in wins. As with his predecessor Santana, he’s what those around the game call a workhorse. He eats up innings and whether he performs well or not he sets the team up for success on his off days because of his ability to get deep into the game. In 216 2/3rd innings this season he has also tallied 4 complete games while striking out 131 batters. On top of his gamer mentality, he also sports a puny 3.20 ERA, which any coach would give his right arm (or several prospects) for.

3. Justin Verlander
From the category of “who is this guy” comes Justin Verlander. Who possibly had the foresight to pick him up in their Roto leagues in spring training? While he was always considered a prospect in the Tigers organization, his rise to prominence came much quicker than most would have imagined. As the year has progressed, it appears that his lack of arm strength is causing him a bit of a dead arm. The Tigers have started to be very cautious with him and the number of innings he throws. With all the caution, Verlander has compiled wicked good numbers. In 29 starts, Verlander is 16-9 with a 3.68 ERA and 130 strikeouts over 198 innings. Being that he is a rookie and has been the ace of a staff that has electrified a great baseball city that has long been on life support, there will be people who check his name on the Cy Young ballot. These voters will vote for the good of baseball, simply because they love how Detroit is changing--for the better!

So… Who’s going to win it???

Outside of the top three guys referenced above, in my opinion there really aren't many others who should be considered. After all, it’s never good to be the fourth horse in a three horse race. So, without further adieu, the winner of the 2006 Cy Young is...

Johan Santana, Minnesota Twins

While some may accuse me of being a homer (since I reside about 4 blocks from Kirby Puckett Place), I simply can’t overlook Santana’s numbers. The fact that he leads the AL in three statistical categories is hard to beat. Let's assume that Halladay and Verlander were somewhat close or had him beat in one or two categories--I would still give him the nod. Why? The Twins almost never lose on the day that he pitches. Something about him gives his team confidence. It's an intangible factor that is hard to measure. All I know is that since the all-star break, in games he pitches, the Minnesota Twins are 12-1.

Santana’s numbers should make him a shoe in for the Cy Young. Regarding Santana’s ability to rally the troops when he starts? Well, that is for the MVP discussion.

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