As shown in the post from earlier today, the AL Cy Young plaque reads The Outstanding American League Pitcher. Voters are given no additional instructions.
According to an internet dictionary, the definition of 'outstanding' is:
–adjective
1.
prominent; conspicuous; striking: an outstanding example of courage.
Some leaderboards:
Top AL ERAs
1. Felix Hernandez, 2.39
2. Clay Buchholz, 2.48
3. David Price, 2.75
4. Trevor Cahill, 2.84
5. Andy Pettitte, 2.88
Bottom AL ERAs
1. Ryan Rowland-Smith, 7.01
2. Brian Bannister, 6.32
3. Scott Kazmir, 5.99
4. Josh Beckett, 5.83
5. Nick Blackburn, 5.51
Top AL FIPs
1. Francisco Liriano, 2.36
2. Cliff Lee, 2.63
3. Jon Lester, 3.01
4. Felix Hernandez, 3.01
5. Jered Weaver, 3.05
Bottom AL FIPs
1. Ryan Rowland-Smith, 6.71
2. Scott Kazmir, 5.85
3. Brian Bannister, 5.50
4. Javier Vazquez, 5.35
5. Tommy Hunter, 5.28
Top AL Wins
1. CC Sabathia, 19
2. David Price, 17
3. Jon Lester, 17
4. Carl Pavano, 17
5. Clay Buchholz, 16
Bottom AL Wins
1. Ryan Rowland-Smith, 1
2. Kevin Millwood, 3
3. Armando Galarraga, 4
4. Ben Sheets, 4
5. Tim Wakefield, 4
There have been a lot of pitchers in the American League this year, but none of their performances, it seems, have been more prominent than that of our very own Ryan Rowland-Smith.
Maybe it's a good thing I don't have a vote.