AL Cy Young Debate

by jalopy37 on Jul 4, 2006 9:26 AM PDT

If the season ended today, and the AL Cy Young winner were selected based on his accomplishments up until now, who would you select?

I've got a buddy who vehemently disagrees with (my) logic; therefore, the poll question below.

The poll options are based on the four best closers in the AL, and the six best starting pitchers, based on my loose statistical comparisons of things like wins, saves, strikeouts, ERA and WHIP.

I am certain someone could make an unconvincing argument someone other than the ten men named below is worthy of the AL Cy Young right now, but for the sake of simplicity, let's go ahead and limit the poll to these ten guys.

Poll

Who Wins the AL Cy Young Today?

BJ Ryan

0 votes

Francisco Liriano

31 votes

Roy Halladay

15 votes

Johan Santana

33 votes

Curt Schilling

1 votes

JJ Putz

4 votes

Bobby Jenks

1 votes

Scott Kazmir

6 votes

John Jackey

0 votes

Jon Papelbon

5 votes

96 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 7 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

Roy Halladay for me

Probably not the correct choice if you look at peripheral stats but I just love the way he is so incredibly efficient with his pitching. He always seems utterly in control out on the mound and his ability to consistently go deep into games effectively gives Toronto a couple of extra guys in the bullpen.

by Alex B on Jul 4, 2006 9:31 AM PDT reply actions

Aint Papelbon, Jenks, Ryan, or Putz

"Could make an unconvincing arguement"? How's this for an unconvincing arguement:

No closer, in my opinion, will ever be worthy of winning a Cy Young. There is always going to be a starter in the league, somewhere, that was more important then someone who throws 1 inning, and perhaps not all that often.

Eric Gagne's 2004 is about as close as it gets to a Cy Young candidate closer in my eyes. The Mariano Rivera worshippers and those who think John Papelbon is something special because he's a starting pitcher throwing 1 inning a game right now need to seriously die.

by TIF @ Lookout Landing on Jul 4, 2006 2:33 PM PDT reply actions

Totally

Show me a reliever who comes in 60-70 times, in close games that matter, and holds the lead or keeps it tied in like 50 of them, and I'd say consider that guy for a Cy Young.

Guy that comes in with a 3 run lead to get 3 easy outs? Not so much. Did I mention I hate the Save statistic?

"...after seeing him for 500 career starts, hitters still haven't figured out a way to consistently pounce on his junk." - Jeff on Jamie Moyer

by Gomez on Jul 4, 2006 6:34 PM PDT up reply actions

Going with Liriano based on season-to-date.

by Jeff Sullivan on Jul 4, 2006 6:37 PM PDT reply actions

I go with Kazmir all the way

He's totally pulling a Steve Carlton. You'd look up and it'd be like, "Kazmir has 7 wins? How's that possible? I didn't even realize that TAMPA BAY had 7 wins."

Marinerds - a different daily dose of baseblog.

by Deanna on Jul 5, 2006 10:49 AM PDT reply actions

I voted for Halladay

But I think Contreras will win it

I can't control my heart rate I have a cougar on me. - Ricky Bobby

by Scruffy Lefty on Jul 5, 2006 12:43 PM PDT reply actions

Call me a lamer

I voted for Santana. Hey, he was handed the ball as The Ace for the Twins and has, for the most part, lived up to his role. I picked him over Halladay, who's been similarly dominant and has more wins, because he's been more dominant than Roy with less offensive support. Kazmir's 40 walks in 109.1 IP tells me he's erratic and probably a bit easier to beat than Santana. Liriano is more of a surprise, and I'd like to see how he performs as teams pick up his tendencies.

SWUNG ON AND BELTED! DEEP TO... shortstop....

by Gomez on Jul 5, 2006 1:11 PM PDT reply actions