The arms race going on in the American League between hurlers vying to win the Cy Young, is turning into an epic battle. Heading into the finals two weeks of the regular season there are four legitimate contenders for this award.
Each of the four aces would make for a deserving winner. But there can be only one that is immortalized in the baseball almanacs. Will it be a repeat winner? Will history be made with the crowning? Could the Cy Young go on Sale? Or maybe it will just go for a good Price?
Justin Verlander – Detroit Tigers
Coming off his Cy Young win last season, Verlander was the pre-season favorite to win the award again. Everyone expected a big year from this Tigers ace, and he delivered. With two starts remaining against the Kansas City Royals and the Minnesota Twins; Verlander could push his record to 17-8 on the season.
Last season Verlander was the hands-down choice for Cy Young, his pitching line was nothing short of historic it was so good. So comparing this season to last is a bit unjust; however, it was Justin that set the bar this high.
This season has seen Verlander win fewer games (7), give up more hits, runs and walks while striking out fewer. His WHIP is higher, as is his ERA, while his winning percentage is down. Opposing hitters are batting for a higher average, slugging percentage and collectively have a higher OBP and OPS. Verlander does lead the league this year in complete games and innings pitched; while he is currently second in ERA, strikeouts and WHIP.
This was another great year for Verlander; it just wasn’t as good as last year. I don’t think baseball writers should vote for a guy who is having a ‘down’ year.
Jered Weaver – Los Angeles Angles
Currently sitting at 18 wins on the season, Weaver’s final two projected starts are against the Chicago White Sox and the Texas Rangers. Only Weaver and David Price are capable of becoming 20 game winners in the American League this year.
Weaver is the league leader in winning percentage and WHIP; while he is tied for the lead with 18 wins. Weaver is third in ERA and fourth in complete games. Throw in the no-hitter from May and this was a great season for Weaver.
I see two things hurting Weaver’s chances in winning the Cy Young. Even if he should win out the remaining two starts and get to 20 victories on the year; I’m not sure it will be enough to convince baseball writers. The first thing working against Weaver is the fact that the Angeles are all but done and out of the playoff picture. While Cy Young awards have gone to non-playoff bound pitchers in the past, are voters willing to do it again here?
As I see it, the biggest hurdle for Weaver will be that Mike Trout is going to win the AL MVP. You might say ‘that’s no big deal, MVP and Cy Young on same team in same year has happened 18 times before.’ Well you would be correct; however, it has never happened where the AL MVP and Cy Young were on the same team in the same year while playing for a non-playoff team. Now that is a big deal.
Chris Sale – Chicago White Sox
In only his third season in the majors, Sale has propelled himself into Cy Young conversation. In being considered for the award, Sale has anchored the White Sox pitching staff as they push forward to a Division Title.
I think Chris deserves special consideration in this race; thus far he is the only pitcher who successfully guided his club to the playoffs. If the baseball writers are looking for a winner, then Sale will be their guy.
It looks like Sale’s last two projected starts will be against the Cleveland Indians and the Tampa Rays. Both are winnable games for Sale; and games that must be won to secure that playoff spot.
Sale has nasty stuff for a lefty, and his slider is damn near unhittable. He will no doubt be a force to reckon with in the coming seasons. Sale will likely get a Cy Young award down the road, just not this season. I just don’t think statistically Sale has done enough to win. He doesn’t lead the league in any pitching category and hasn’t been making highlights along the way.
David Price- Tampa Bay Rays
This hard-throwing lefty bounced back from a disappointing 2011 season and reasserted himself as the ace of the Tampa staff. Price is currently at 18 wins on the season and he will get a chance to go for 20, with starts remaining against the Red Sox and White Sox.
Despite Price’s pitching efforts, the Rays are out of playoff consideration. This might hurt his chances with the voters.
Price has been impressive this season; in addition to the wins, he also leads the league in ERA. I’m just not sold on Price’s season as being worthy of a Cy Young. In my mind you need something spectacular or memorable to be the winner.
Like Chris Sale, David Price will be in many more Cy Young conversations as their careers advance. This isn’t going to be Price’s year for taking home the hardware.
AL CY YOUNG SHOULD BE: Jered Weaver. I don’t put as much stock in the historic nature of the MVP and Cy Young being from same team in a non-playoff year. Award should go to best pitcher regardless.
AL CY YOUNG WILL BE: Justin Verlander. This Tiger’s ace pitches his team into the playoffs and that earns special consideration from voters.